The healthiness of a union greatly depends on the engagement level of members. What makes unions so effective is the power of a collective voice; of people working together to advocate for worker’s rights, fairness, and equity.
Being engaged in your union not only supports this important advocacy work, but it provides you with other great benefits too. For example, depending on how you decide to get involved, you could gain important leadership and communication skills that are transferrable wherever you go. You will get to know your colleagues better, meet new people, and even make new friends! You will be able to speak from your experiences and share your knowledge to help shape decision making. You could learn more about important processes that directly affect you, such as collective bargaining. The power of a collective voice is something that should be celebrated and encouraged, so make sure to get involved in your union and make your voice heard!
Interested yet?
In no particular order, here are 20 ways that you can get involved in your union…
1. Register on the FSA website
Register on the FSA website to stay in the loop with bargaining updates, access resources, view upcoming events, read committee minutes, and more.
Or join our Facebook page at FSA on Facebook
2. Attend FSA events
The FSA hosts (and co-hosts) many fun events throughout the year including, most notably, our holiday celebration every December. The FSA also hosts information forums so you can learn more about your rights and hear about the experiences of your colleagues in the workplace. You can view upcoming events and forums on the events calendar.
3. Volunteer to assist with events
As you can probably imagine, a lot of planning goes into hosting these great events, and we are always in need of additional hands. Contac the Social Committee Chair or VP Member Engagement to find out how you can help.
4. Read FSA emails and bulletins
Keep up-to-date with current issues, events, announcements, and more. Missed a bulletin? Not to worry! The bulletins can be found under news and events.
5. Contribute to the discussion forum
Contribute to the discussion forum on our website by commenting on or liking a post or liking/responding to other comments!
6. Run for a representative position...
Check out current vacancies when calls for nominations are sent out and consider putting your name forward. We also have a great steward program, check it out and see if it's for you.
7. ...or nominate someone you think would be great
Position not for you? If you know someone you think would be a good fit for one of the vacant positions, nominate them! Email [email protected] and specify the name and position you are nominating the individual for (make sure to copy the person you're nominating).
8. Join a committee
There are some committees that have elected positions on them which you can be nominated for (Joint Professional Development Committee [JPDC], Job Classification Audit Committee [JCAC], and Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee [JOHSC]), but there may be other interest-group committees that would love to welcome new additional members such as the Gender Equity Network, or the Social Committee. If you're interested in joining the Gender Equity Committee or Social Committee, send the chair an email.
9. Attend the AGM and exercise your right to vote
Every FSA union member is entitled to paid release time from work to attend Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs), so make sure to take advantage of your right to attend! Make your voice count and vote on things such as elections, financial reports, and other important decision items such as collective bargaining.
10. Bring a colleague to the AGM
Don't' go to the AGM alone, bring your fellow union members! Encourage others to do the same.
11. Read your Collective Agreement
Read your Collective Agreement and get familiar with sections that apply to you. You can better advocate for yourself if you know your rights, and you can tell others too!
12. Read the minutes from executive meetings
Take a moment to read the latest executive meeting minutes and find out about the current issues your representatives are addressing.
13. Attend an executive meeting
As a member, you have the right to attend an executive meeting with voice (but no vote). So why not attend? If you have something on your mind, bring it to your executive. After all, they represent you and they want to hear from you. Email [email protected] to find out when the next meeting is.
14. Make a charitable donations suggestion
Know any local non-profits in the Fraser Valley/Lower Mainland region that could use a helping hand? Make a donation suggestion by emailing the Secretary Treasurer for consideration.
15. Submit an article for the Words & Vision newsletter
Got something on your mind? Share your thoughts for the next Words & Vision newsletter. Contact the Vice-President Member Engagement with your ideas.
16. Send ideas or feedback to a representative
You union representatives are here to represent your interests. If you have ideas, feedback, questions, or concerns, reach out to your representative and let them know.
17. Talk about your union with others
Don't be afraid to speak about your union with fellow members; being part of a union is a great thing and something to be proud of.
18. Support your union's initiatives/campaigns
Show up, wear the pin, sign the petition, and spread the word. Do whatever you can to support your union's various initiatives and campaigns. We are stronger together!
19. Get connected on social media
Subscribe to our YouTube channel or like our Facebook page.
20. Visit the FSA member lounge
Stop by room B346 on the Abbotsford campus to grab a Keurig coffee, tea, or granola bar, use the microwave, or even just hang out with a book or laptop on the couch!