Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/649572
3 Questions for Heidi Swenson Chipman Heidi Swenson Chipman spent four years researching CTA's fit with tomorrow's educators to earn her doctorate in educational leadership from CSU Fullerton. Her dissertation, published in 2014, focuses on CTA millennials' perspectives on unionism — and also includes viewpoints of Gen X, Gen Y and baby boomers. Chipman, a member of the Association of Placentia-Linda Educators, served on CTA's State Council for 15 years and has held several leadership positions in CTA. WHAT DO MILLENNIALS LIKE ABOUT UNIONS? They love the fact that their union bargains for them. It's important to them that their unions are fighting for fair salaries and benefits on their behalf. WHAT CHANGES WOULD THEY LIKE WITH THEIR LOCAL UNIONS? They want to work more as a collective team when it comes to curriculum and reform; sometimes they feel that everything is dictated to them. They want to see unions find new ways to incorporate social media into communication. They want things more immediately. For example, they want minutes of union meetings within minutes. Millennials are also interested in things like flexible time schedules and being able to move from district to district without being penalized. It's hard for them to understand that some of these issues cannot be contractually refined by unions until districts move into the 21st century. WHAT SHOULD THE OLDER GENERATIONS DO? The next generation believes in the strength of the union and the promise of the future. The challenge for current union leadership is to recognize and understand that the next gener- ation wants exciting work, is enthusiastic about instructional and social networking technology, and dislikes isolation. Jonalyn Smith 34, Student CTA President, UC Irvine Jonalyn Smith has heard people say that her generation is less political than others, but she believes millennials are more independent than previous generations. It's true that a large percentage of millennials don't affiliate with either Democrats or Republicans. "We are very open to change," she explains. "We welcome the values of other cultures. We value equality for all and believe in social justice." She doesn't think millennials feel entitled. "Just because we are open to change doesn't make us the 'me' generation. We are willing to share. Our passion is social justice. Many of us are very passionate about careers in education. We are hardworking. I'm working all the time — going to school, being involved in Student CTA, and working to pay my bills." In her leadership role, she is working to change veteran and younger CTA members' perception of one another. "Millennials are seen as students, or as just 'being there.' There's definitely a generation gap." WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO CLOSE THE GAP… with veterans hearing our stories, learning about how active we are when it comes to fighting for social justice, and asking us for our opinions and points of view. I THINK THAT CTA COULD HELP MILLENNIALS BY… continuing to campaign for affordable higher education so we can get out of debt and buy homes someday. WHAT CTA SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MILLENNIALS IS… we are here for them and want to help fight for social justice. We have energy and passion. They should always remember to include us. 21 March 2016