1. STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT FOR ALL LOCALS – LARGE AND SMALL

As Regional President, I will ensure that every local – regardless of size or sector – has a direct line of communication, support, and resources from the regional office. I will also create opportunities for local-to-local communication and collaboration to empower locals to learn from each others’ fights.

WHAT I’LL DO:

• Facilitate Local-to-Local Communication: I will foster communication across the region by organizing meetings between locals near each other, as well as locals in the same or similar industries.

• Make Quarterly Outreach Calls to Local Leadership: All locals should feel connected and heard. I will strengthen outreach by calling local leaders at least once a quarter to understand their challenges and needs.

• Make Annual Visits to All Willing Locals: I will commit to visiting every willing local at least once a year. These visits will allow for direct conversations with local leaders and provide an opportunity for hands-on support.

• Provide Needs-Based Support in Partnership with Staff: I will work directly with staff to determine locals’ needs and then assist where possible in fulfilling those needs.

• Maintain an Up-to-Date, Informative Regional Website: I will maintain the region’s website with up-to-date news, training opportunities, and resources for leaders and members.

2. EXPAND EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, BUILDING LEADERSHIP AND CONFIDENT RANK-AND-FILE MEMBERS

Education is the backbone of member-run unionism. It is only with the combined strength of locals run by empowered, confident leaders that we can build a powerful union capable of pushing back against current attacks on workers’ rights. When locals learn from each other – whether through trainings developed by the Education Committee; local-to-local mentorship; or sub-regional trainings – we are all more equipped to take on the boss and win.

WHAT I’LL DO:

• Develop a Comprehensive Regional Education Program: In the last two years, we’ve welcomed thousands of new members into UE. Delivering on the goals laid out in the UE Education resolution, I will build a comprehensive Education Program, working in conjunction with the Education Committee and the National Officers.

• Create a Leadership Mentorship Program: I will continue the practice of worker-to-worker education and leadership building by creating a mentor program whereby established local leaders can mentor new or struggling local leaders.

• Review and Improve the Sub-Regions: I will review our current map of sub-regions to improve accessibility and participation, with the goal of no local having to travel more than two hours for sub-regional training.

• Empower Executive Board Members to Lead Projects and Trainings: All locals can benefit from the institutional knowledge and expertise of Regional Executive Board members. I will encourage Executive Board members to take on new projects, lead trainings, and provide direct support to locals.

• Encourage and support young members: The labor movement depends on the engagement of young leaders to continue its work into the future. I will develop programs to empower and educate the future generation of union leaders.

3. ENSURE TRANSPARENCY, FAIRNESS, AND DEMOCRATIC DECISION-MAKING

Active membership and democratic decision-making are what makes our union powerful. I will work to create more openness, fairness, and democratic participation at all levels of regional decision-making.

WHAT I’LL DO:

• Assist Locals in Implementing Democratic Practices: Locals are strengthened when members can participate in democratic practices, hold their leader accountable for upholding UE principles, and confidently adhere to local, Regional, and National Constitutions. I will assist locals in ensuring that proper democratic practices are implemented and followed.

• Ensure Transparent Decision-Making by the Regional Executive Board: Local leaders should be able to have insight into decisions made at the regional level and be able to hold the Regional Executive Board accountable for their execution. I will foster greater transparency by regularly communicating decisions made by the Executive Board to all locals.

• Foster Debate and Discussion at Regional Council Meetings: Regional Council meetings should be spaces for lively democratic discussion and collaboration. I will work to create a safe space for debate and discussion of decisions made during Regional Council meetings.

4. CONTINUE TO EXPAND UNIONISM THROUGH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ORGANIZING

Organizing the unorganized is a bedrock UE principle. It is only through uniting with our co-workers and building solidarity across industries can we build the power necessary to build a more just economic and political system. I will ensure that locals in the Eastern Region receive support for organizing drives to continue organizing the unorganized, as well as offering ongoing support to improve internal organizing strategy.

WHAT I’LL DO:

• Support Locals’ Organizing Drives: I will support organizing drives across the Eastern Region by attending rallies and taking part in organizing conversations.

• Support Locals with Resolving Internal Organizing Issues: Through listening to and collaborating with local leaders, I will help locals resolve internal organizing issues.

5. AGGRESSIVELY FIGHT FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS

Aggressive struggle through collective action is the foundation of rank-and-file unionism. I will work with locals to build and strengthen a union culture where members struggle together to improve their conditions through collective action.

WHAT I’LL DO:

• Educate Members on Strategies of Aggressive Struggle: I will develop educational programs for contract bargaining and enforcement, internal organizing, and organizing drives that emphasize aggressive struggle.

• Encourage Participation in Labor Notes Troublemakers schools: Participation in Labor Notes Conferences and Troublemakers schools helps our union develop new leaders who will carry our union’s work into the future. I will encourage locals and members to attend trainings to develop leadership and connections across the country.

• Develop Democratic Practices in All Meetings and Trainings: I will call on all locals to ensure democratic practices are in place to involve members in workplace struggle, including steward meetings and trainings.