Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Will you?




I laugh and puke in my mouth a little every time I hear the NEA "Bully Free: It Starts with Me!" commercial.

Anyway;
Due to the union turmoil, perhaps it's time to re-think our local, and propose some bylaw modifications?  I think would be a good idea to keep things flexible.

For the last 20 + years the De Pere Educational Support Personnel union has been exclusively tied to WEAC and the NEA.

In these time of union turmoil and uncertainty, I am not sure that the most logical thing to continue.
This union (DPESPA) exists to serve the interests of it's members (you).

Periodically we as individuals, search around for the best deal on things.  Take health insurance for example.  We shop around for who can give use the best rate, for the coverage we seek.  I have no idea why (we the members  - DESPA) don't apply that same logic to union protection.  After all, we have heard many times, "think of it as an insurance."

Further more, making our bylaws more generic (as proposed here), does send the message to the existing WEAC binding, that we are exploring other possible options or at least are open to them in the future.  This should bring about the best possible service from the existing relationship if they don't want to loose it.

What we are saying is;
If we are unhappy (decided as a whole -obviously) with what we are paying for, we may at our option, shop around.  This is just good logic and business sense.


A constitution and by-laws are written to guide an organization in its operations and activities.
The constitution; 
1.) Establishes the broad structure and fundamental principles of an organization 
2.) Should be straightforward and comprehensive
3.) Should be difficult to amend 
The Bylaws;
1.) Outline the rules of procedures for an organization
2.) Should be consistent with the constitution
3.) Tend to be easier to amend than the constitution

Needed:
Listed constitution affiliations shall not be exclusive.  (Leave the door open)
Generalize other affiliation references (to make transition or dual affiliation easier in the future if desired by the membership)
Other existing operation tweaks.