Gaining confidence in public speaking

Getting comfortable speaking in public is often a challenge for union leaders, particularly those who are new to their roles. That’s why OSEA and AFT brought Public Speaking for Union Leaders back to Oregon. The class provides an open, encouraging space for union members to learn and grow with advice and feedback from Lauren Samet and Julie Washington of AFT. Constance Palaia... Read More

Union members make great public officials

Working families are the backbone of this country, yet are sorely underrepresented in public office. Unions are great at creating leaders, but too often we allow ourselves to be held back by the “what ifs” — What if I can’t raise enough money? What if I’ve never done this before? That’s why the Oregon Labor Candidate School (OLCS) was created. OLCS... Read More

Trauma leaves marks on young children

(via AFT) We already know intuitively that a child’s learning begins with trust, and that often, trust first requires healing. Two experts on that process—one on why, and the other on how—spoke with educators during a July 20 TEACH session on children’s well-being. Michael Lamb, a former teacher and executive director of Turnaround for Children in Washington,... Read More

Overcoming incredible odds to help others

Inside the walls at Deer Ridge Correctional Institute in Madras, OSEA members like Angie Ptomey help provide the skills needed to ensure inmates leaving the prison can survive and thrive on the outside. In her position at Central Oregon Community College (COCC), Ptomey teaches GED classes to inmates at the medium- and minimum-security mens prison. Her work has gained attention from... Read More

Reynolds members protest layoffs, cuts

In response to layoffs and reduced hours, 65 Reynolds School District employees and their supporters filled their school board meeting this week to emphasize how reductions harm students, workers and the community. Nine classified employees were recently informed their jobs would be eliminated, and 45 secretaries will see reduced hours. This comes on top of years of skimpy or nonexistent... Read More

‘Just keep fighting:’ Tenacity honored

Conference 2017 concluded with honors, farewells and a tribute to OSEA’s Employee of the Year. Delegates welcomed new board members in Zone V Director Marina McCambridge and Zone I Director Dianna Hess. Outgoing Zone Directors Kathy Forbes and Aaron Powell were recognized for their time and sacrifices in the service of their union. For hundreds of photos from the banquet and... Read More

Action on resolutions; elections

Full resolution and election results from OSEA Conference 2017 are below, with outcomes in italics: RESOLUTION RESULTS Unfinished Business (Conference 2016) Resolution 5 — Combines language relating to dues and assessments located in various articles in the Constitution into one new article; itemizes the state per capita dues rate: Passed Conference 2017 Resolutions Resolution... Read More

2017 State of Our Union

President Tim Stoelb presented a clear-eyed snapshot of the state of our union that encapsulated the past year’s accomplishments and the challenges which lay ahead on day two of OSEA’s 79th Conference. “It is neither an entirely rosy nor an entirely gloomy picture,” Stoelb said. “Instead, I hope to convey our reality.” OSEA President Tim Stoelb Stoelb told delegates... Read More

A memorable Conference opening

Conference 2017 kicked off with revamped opening ceremonies that included comedian Sharon Lacey, a bigger-than-ever Parade of Banners, the crowning of a new OSEA Employee of the Year and a tribute to recently passed former OSEA President and Field Representative Leota Clark. Central Chapter 124 President Denise Chase was formally recognized as OSEA’s 2017 Employee of the... Read More

Sketchy numbers lead to Roseburg layoffs

More than two dozen Roseburg Chapter 21 members fought the good fight on June 13 by filling their school board meeting room to standing capacity, most wearing buttons that read “Staff Cuts Hurt Kids.” Sadly, neither our cause nor classified employees’ vital contributions to schools were acknowledged by the school board. Without any significant explanation or sympathy expressed... Read More