October has been a busy month for NESPA members. There was a wonderful dinner given on October 15th to show appreciation for the work our Building Communicator’s do and to inform them of the up-coming contract negotiation process. Many good suggestions were given about concerns and needs to begin shaping our priorities for the new contract that we will work for in the Spring of 2010. Please be part of that effort by completing and send back your suggestions for our Bargaining Committee to compile.
Your Co-Presidents, Marge Mitchell and I attended a day long WEA Annual ESP Local President Meeting on October 24th. It was filled with interesting information and good networking with other president dealing with similar issues in districts across Washington.
We met in small groups with people from WEA Communication Dept., Learning and Education Policy Center-which support issues regarding Human Rights and Accountability and Education Reform issues, Public Policy support, Research, Legal issues and Advocacy and Organizing Support. I encourage you to check out the WEA web site to get more information about the services the WEA can offer us. One service that was new to me was the legal advice that can be given to members for non-union issues. WEA has a list of local lawyers that will give 2 half-hour meetings to members to help with issues such as traffic tickets, or your own legal documents like wills.
Enjoy the crisp days and keep rested as flu season hits…
Deb Murphy
