New Option for Negotiating Team Candidates

“Candidates unable to attend the October General Membership meeting may present their nomination for candidacy via Zoom on an alternative date. ”

2022 Negotiating Team 

In our continued effort to make the nomination process for the Negotiating Team more inclusive and accessible to all members, we are excited to announce a new update.

The Board of Directors has passed a resolution to allow candidates for the Negotiating Team who cannot attend the October General Membership meeting to present their nomination candidacy via Zoom on an alternative date.

Providing Greater Accessibility

We recognize that attending in-person meetings may not always be feasible for all members due to various commitments or geographical constraints.

To ensure that all members have a fair opportunity to participate in the nomination process, we have introduced the option for candidates to present their case to the Board Officers through a Zoom meeting.

How It Works

1. Nomination Submission:
   As before, all candidates must submit their nomination forms to the Association by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 9th. Nomination forms should include a brief statement of interest and any relevant experience. Click here to access and submit your Nomination Form.

2. Scheduling the Zoom Presentation:
   If you cannot attend the October Board of Directors meeting in-person, please email the SLOCEA office at info@slocea.org. SLOCEA staff will coordinate with you to schedule a time on an alternative date for you to meet with the Officers via Zoom to present your nomination.

3. Presenting Your Candidacy:
   Whether in person or via Zoom, candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their qualifications, and discuss why they are well-suited to represent their bargaining unit on the Negotiating Team. Candidates will have up to 5 minutes to present to the Board, whether in-person or by Zoom.

4. Officer Review and Board Appointment:
   After the presentations, the Association Officers, in consultation with the Executive Director, will review all nominations and make their recommendations. The Board of Directors will then confirm the appointments by majority vote at the November Board of Directors meeting on November 20, 2024.

Why This Change Matters

This new option is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable process for all members. By allowing remote participation, we aim to:

• Expand Accessibility: Ensure that all eligible members, regardless of their location or circumstances, have an equal chance to present their candidacy.

• Encourage Participation: Make it easier for members with busy schedules or travel constraints to engage in the nomination process.

• Support Diversity: By removing barriers to participation, we hope to encourage a broader range of members to step forward and contribute to the Association’s negotiating efforts.

Next Steps

We encourage all interested members to consider running for a position on the Negotiating Team. This is a unique opportunity to represent your peers, influence the bargaining process, and help shape the future of our organization.

For those interested in running but unsure about the process or requirements, feel free to reach out to the SLOCEA office for guidance and support. We are here to assist you in any way possible to ensure your voice is heard.

We are excited about this new option and believe it will significantly enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of the nomination process. We look forward to a robust and diverse group of candidates this year and encourage all members to get involved.

Click here to access and submit your Nomination Form. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making our Association stronger!

By Emily Landis

Executive Director