• A union is not merely an organization; it's a collective force that derives its strength from the active participation of its members. Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a union is only as strong as you, the individual member. Your engagement and involvement in the union are vital to its effectiveness and ability to champion the rights of workers. Union means you, and your active participation matters.

CSEA is a platform that amplifies our concerns, aspirations, and demands and when we actively participate, we become the guardians of our union's values and principles. We hold our leaders and representatives accountable for their actions, ensuring that they operate with transparency, fairness, and integrity. Our actions have the power to ignite a sense of unity, solidarity, and collective action among workers. 

Throughout the 2023 Legislative Session CSEA members have answered the call - they’ve attended rallies and press conferences in droves, called and emailed legislators thousands of times, testified at dozens of public hearings and took to social media to garner support. Now, as we enter the Municipal Election season, we will need that same power. Here are 10 ways that you can get involved in the next few months to ensure that pro-union candidates win their election on November 7th!

1. Donate to the CSEA Political Action Fund (PAC): Contribute to our PAC to support union-friendly candidates who fight for our rights and champion workers' interests. Our dues do not go towards political action so donating to the PAC is the only way we can financially support pro-union candidates!

2. Educate Yourself on Candidates: Stay informed about candidates' positions on labor issues, endorsements, and voting records. The CSEA Legislative Action Committee will make recommendations for endorsements based on our union values and upon approval by the Executive Council, these endorsements will be sent listed in upcoming editions of the paper. 

3. Volunteer for Campaigns: Roll up your sleeves and get involved by knocking on doors, making phone calls, or assisting with campaign events.

4. Get Out the Vote: Encourage fellow union members and working families to register, vote, and make their voices heard on Election Day.

5. Engage with Legislators: Attend town hall meetings, reach out to elected officials, and share our union's concerns to influence policy decisions. It’s important that your legislators know who you are and what you stand for!

6. Advocate for Pro-Worker Policies: Write letters to the editor to advocate for policies that protect workers' rights, wages, and benefits.

7. Utilize Social Media: Leverage the power of social media to spread the word about pro-union candidates, share important legislative updates, and mobilize support. Be sure to follow CSEA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

8. Engage in Coalition Building: Collaborate with other unions, community organizations, and progressive allies like SEBAC and Recovery For All to build a broader movement for social and economic justice. 

9. Attend Political Rallies and Events: Show up at political rallies and events to demonstrate our union's strength, unity, and commitment to our collective goals. Don’t forget to wear SEIU purple when you go!

10. Run for Office: Step up and run for political office to directly represent the interests of working families and bring our union's perspective to decision-making tables.