By: Tom Hayden, United Staff Association of New Jersey
The Oklahoma Professional Staff Organization (OPSO) and the Oklahoma Associate Staff Organization (OASO) teamed up for an April training to both prepare their members for negotiations and expose new members to the basics of union work.
To get this done, they called on their union.
The National Staff Organization (NSO) provided OPSO and OASO with NSO’s signature organizing program, Organizing for Power, and trainers Janet Beck (Washington), Tina Dove (Maryland), and Bruce Scherer (Oregon).
Organizing for Power helps affiliates develop long-term, sustainable union power which is necessary to achieve shared union goals based on members’ mutual interests. Its systematic progression with one module building on another to combine understanding and use through instruction, experience, and skills development.
NSO Vice President for Program John Avouris said Organizing for Power has been revamped to address challenges faced by today’s unions.
“The trainers created a safe and inviting atmosphere for members to openly discuss concerns and issues within their unions,” said Avouris. “Attendees were able to identify the silos that were hindering effective communication and built out a series of next steps to improve relationships.”
The multi-part training, held on April 14 and 15, provided an intense professional development program that began with the fundamentals of unionism and progressed through the requisites needed to ensure a successful organizing campaign.
“Our newer members received their first formal ‘organizing’ training and have a better understanding of being part of a collective organization,” said OPSO President Kim Littrell. “Partnering with OASO built shared empathy for issues we all face every day.”
“OASO and OPSO members deeply appreciate NSO’s support that made this training possible,” said OASO Treasurer Kevin Winstead. “The trainers were skilled, fun, and inspiring, which helped attendees accomplish more than anyone thought possible in just two days. Our members feel prepared with the tools and insights to organize and negotiate effectively.”
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 http://www.nationalstaff.org or follow NSO on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.