As I attended my first GMM as Treasurer I was happy to see our members come out but was disappointed in the numbers. Out of the 600 members we have on staff only a limited amount showed up and were genuinely involved, voiced some of their concerns and made some very valid suggestions. Everyone who spoke was heard. It was wonderful to see that we had the usual members and delegates showing their support.
These members prove to us that their is still some solidarity within and with that we hope to have these numbers grow. As your union we understand that after shift meetings can be difficult to attend. We have families to get to and are exhausted by the end of the day and just simply want to get home and unwind after a long day. I want to do the same but care about this union and our members enough to be as much involved as possible. I am a member as well so why not.
Since I was initially voted in as Auditor I have learned a lot by being on the Executive Board. One of the main things I have learned is that every one on this team wants what's best for our union and our members. It has been a rough start with two of our initial elected members resigning. First, Grievance Officer, Stephanie Ouzst in July 2016, and now Treasurer, Philip Wahblo on 2/15/2017. These two empty positions have now been filled as Rodney Bullard took over on 9/8/2016 & I was nominated to take Philip's place on 3/2/2017, leaving the Auditor position vacant until filled by Marlon Elliot, today, 3/23/2017. Marlon is a welcome addition to the board.
Your E-board is now once again complete and geared on stepping things up, by motivating and supporting our members in every way. With that said I want to take the time to thank everyone who has supported me since I decided to run for office and those of you who have come out to support your union. We appreciate every single one of you and hope you took with you the tools needed to know your E-board is doing its best and will continue to keep you all in mind.
As discussed in today's meeting you now know we created this forum for you. We will soon bring back our monthly Newsletter and will also add Instagram and Facebook to the mix, so contributions are welcome. I hope that our next General Membership Meeting triples or quadruples our member participation. We need you to grow, learn and move forward. Unity and Solidarity is membership based and only you can make that happen. I know our membership well and we all have the same goals in mind as far as our work environment goes so get involved, voice your concerns and contact your Delegates or E-board members if you need advice or assistance.
I now want to take the time to say a special thank you to our Social & Cultural Committee members for your contribution to today's meeting and also Yvette Howard and Bernice Cousar for helping me out immensely as I transition into my new role as Treasurer. Your assistance has been greatly appreciated and I will never be able to thank you both enough.
In Solidarity today and always,
Alma Gonzalez
BFSA~ Treasurer