A Thanksgiving Message from President Lisa Gourley
With Thanksgiving on Thursday, I am taking some time this week to count my blessings. We have faced many unprecedented challenges this year, but even in the darkest times we can find reasons for gratitude — and doing so can give us hope and courage to keep working toward a brighter future.
In addition to my loved ones and the life we have the pleasure of living, here are three things I am most grateful for this year:
- I am thankful for OSEA’s dedication to supporting members through any challenge. I spent the last week visiting the OSEA chapters hit hardest by the recent wildfires to deliver books OSEA has donated for students who lost their homes. OSEA is doing all we can for members impacted by fires and the pandemic, even increasing the amount we give out through the Member Assistance Fund.
- I am thankful for the labor movement’s advocacy on behalf of working people. Here in Oregon, OSEA and our union partners successfully fought for a strong emergency standard to protect workers from infectious diseases like COVID-19. Like sick leave, health insurance and all workplace safety standards, this is one more example of the power of workers to protect one another when we standing together.
- I am thankful for the incredible members who make up OSEA. Kindness, compassion and tenacity are three traits that all OSEA members seem to share. Through a pandemic, an economic crisis and devastating natural disasters, OSEA members continue to go above and beyond for our students and communities. It is an honor to work alongside you!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I hope your holiday is filled with reasons for hope and gratitude.
In solidarity,
Lisa Gourley
OSEA President
PS. As I mentioned, I was able to spend last week visiting OSEA chapters to deliver books for students who lost their homes to wildfires this fall. Here are a few pictures:
Dropping off books for Glide Chapter 134
Unloading books at Sweet Home Chapter 3
Unpacking books with Estacada Chapter 100
Contribute to our political action fund
