By: Jesse McDaniel, Alabama PSO
The National Staff Organization (NSO) provides on-the-ground support to state affiliates who request assistance in bargaining, unionism, research and other areas.
Utah Staff Organization President Kristi Critchlow recently hosted three NSO officials for a staff meeting in Ogden to help staff ” understand what the role of USO was and what the role of NSO was.”
Critchlow felt her affiliate needed more teaching on unionism because Utah is a right-to-work state where principles like collective bargaining and solidarity are not as inherent as in other state affiliates.
NSO Vice President for Program John Avouris, NSO Vice President for Defense Mike Boyer, and NSO Region 4 Director Rose Tapp traveled to Utah over Father’s Day weekend to support their union family. Many USO members drove several hours to attend this all-day session held at the Ogden-Weber field office of the Utah Education Association.
. The gathering provided an opportunity for USO associate and professional staff to connect and get to know each other outside of work. Critchlow especially liked the exercise Tapp led where everyone had to name a theme song that was relevant to their lives.
NSO leaders brought an energy that would have probably been lost if the training had been offered virtually, Critchlow said. She said bringing this meeting to fruition paid off because a majority of USO members left feeling empowered and more aware of the mechanics of unionism.
Critchlow encourages other affiliates to engage with more NSO events because that’s when things really began to “click” for her.
“Invite NSO to come because you will see a difference. They are able to ignite passion you would not expect,” she said. “The passion is contagious so I’m glad they came to our home.”
The National Staff Organization serves as a resource for the thousands of staff members who work for the National Education Association and its state affiliates.
With its expertise in negotiations, grievances, and training, NSO is committed to supporting its affiliates in all aspects of their work. For those seeking more information about NSO and the services it provides, visit their website at https://nationalstaff.org or follow NSO on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.