The Latest from VEA

Members from across the Commonwealth gathered in Richmond at our union’s Summer Organizing Institute to spend three days immersing themselves in winning strategies to elevate their organizing.

To provide the most targeted and effective training, members were first given an assessment to match them with the most appropriate track: building member power, worksite power, or local-level power. In the words of Maria Machida, a first-time attendee and Fredericksburg EA member: “At Summer Organizing Institute, the idea of working with my local to build those small wins has been really impactful… and taking that idea back to my local to see what we can do to improve the material conditions of the people in Fredericksburg right now.”

There were also sessions on Communications and Campaigns, Data Security, Knowing Your Rights, and What’s Next in Government Relations. The knowledge members gained will lead us all to a stronger, more expansive union.

“You don’t have to be in local leadership; you don’t even have to have a massive role in your union to come to SOI.” says Loudoun member Kyle Nathanson. “You are learning so much, you are learning how to be a better union rep, you are learning how to be a better member… I’m not President, Vice President or Treasurer, but I am still seeing the ways that I can support my leadership, grow our membership, and support the union as a whole.”

See more photos here