Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
B Y C O N S I S T E N T L Y A P P L Y I N G these strategies, you can build unity and help ensure that our union is seen as a member-driven collective rather than an external orga- nization — strengthening your collective power, ensuring your voices are heard, and achieving your shared goals. 1 REFER TO THE UNION AS A COLLECTIVE Say "we" instead of "they." When discussing union activities or decisions, frame it as something that every- one involved is part of. For example, say "we are fighting for better wages" instead of "the union is fighting for better wages." Discuss the union in the first person: Use "we," "us" and "our " to describe union actions and goals, reinforcing that the union is a collective effort. Use terms like "our union" or "the members of our union" to reinforce the idea that the union is made up of the people who belong to it. Don't externalize the union: Avoid phrases like "the union wants," which can make it sound like the union is a separate, external entity. Instead, use "we want" or "our union is advocating for." "If you can lock this down, you can be unstoppable," says ACE President Amy Kilburn. " The ownership of the union and those kind of community ideals is what we're trying to build here. The moment when we crack the term of 'the union' is when we make a difference with people and turn them into union activists." 2 HIGHLIGHT MEMBER INVOLVEMENT Focus on member contributions: When discussing union actions or decisions, emphasize the role of members in shaping those actions. "Our members voted to strike because we believe in fair pay," rather than "the union decided to strike." Acknowledge member voices: Regularly emphasize that the union's direction is driven by the collective voices of our members. This reinforces that the union is an expres- sion of the members' will. 3 EDUCATE ABOUT THE UNION'S ROLE Clarify what the union is: Remind yourself and others that the union is not a separate entity but a democratic orga- nization made up of workers. This helps to combat the misconception that the union is an outside force. Discuss the union's democratic processes: Highlight how union decisions are made through votes and member participation. This can help to demystify the union and show that it's an active representation of the workforce. "We're really big on 'We are CUEA.' You don't go to CUEA or call them. It's not a service or entity," says Michelle Nickell-Ramos, CUEA leader and Service Center Council One chair. "As local leaders, we've tried to model this to support our members in learning and growing as union members and activists." 4 EMPHASIZE SHARED GOALS Focus on common interests: Frame union goals as shared objectives that benefit everyone involved, such as safer working conditions, better wages or more resources for our public schools, which are in everyone's interest. Link the union's success to member suc- cess: Make it clear that the success of the union translates directly to the success and well-being of members and our broader communities. "Invite folks and appeal to shared values to show that our union is the collective of our shared goals," says Frank Mata, CNTA leader and NEA Alternate Director. "I lead with solution-oriented language and then the union becomes associated with the results and outcomes." 5 ENGAGE IN UNION ACTIVITIES Be active and encourage others: By being involved and encouraging others to participate, it becomes natural to think of the union as "us" rather than "them." Share personal experiences: Talking about personal involvement in the union can help frame it as an integral part of your professional life and identity. 6 CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS IN CONVERSATIONS Gently correct language: If someone refers to the union as a separate entity, gently remind them that the union is made up of members. For example, you might say, "Actu- ally, we're all the union, and together we decided to ..." "One of the first union calls I was on, I was third-par- tying the union and I got corrected and didn't quite understand why," says Kilburn. "When somebody 'third-parties' the union, we correct them on it nicely. When they say 'the union,' who is the union? I am the union. When they say 'the CTA' — well, who is CTA? I am CTA." How Not to 'Other' Our Union 37 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 24 CUEA's official water bottle.