From GTFF
Contents |
[edit] 2009 Candidate Statements
[edit] President
[edit] VP-Organizing
Sam Bernofsky - I am a second year PhD student and currently a steward for the Political Science department. I worked as a teaching assistant at a university without a graduate union and can attest to the major difference in quality of graduate student treatment, employment, healthcare and even social life. The GTFF is a membership run union; consequently, we all determine the important issues and direction of our union. If elected, I would use my organizational skills and past experience as an organizer (in both the non-profit and private sectors) to efficiently implement the will of the membership. I look forward to working closely with the GTFF membership, stewards and staff to keep our union an inclusive and strong organization.
Lia Frederiksen - The VP of Organizing is the person who works both within the GTFF and between our local and the University, our state federation, and national partners to build our strength as a union from the grassroots level of our members. I am committed to fostering the active participation of our members, especially people who have not historically been active in the GTFF. This internal organizing should be the focus of the VP-Organizing, as we make decisions about collective bargaining, political activity, and community engagement through the decisions of our members. I am committed to using my past experience in the GTFF and elsewhere foster inclusivity, community, and empowerment in our union to serve the interests of all our members. I would be honored to continue to serve the GTFF as VP-Organizing during the 2009-10 academic year. (I also promise to only use puns like 'Oregonizing' when it is both appropriate and funny.)
[edit] VP-Operations
Jessalynn Strauss - The VP-Operations is the person on the Board responsible for making sure events and meetings happen as they're supposed to, and I believe I have the experience necessary to be that person. I've been actively involved in the GTFF for two years: I served on the Executive Board for the 2007-2008 year as VP-Member Communications and on the Executive Council this past year as a department steward. I am familiar with both the day-to-day operations of the GTFF as well as the planning necessary for special events such as General Membership Meetings (GMMs) and end of term parties. I've also served for two years as an elected delegate to the AFT-Oregon convention in Sunriver. I believe that my understanding of our union makes me an extremely qualified candidate for the position of VP-Operations, and I hope to serve you in this capacity for the 2009-2010 academic year.
Jeremy Strickler - Fellow Oregon Graduate Students-
Thanks for taking the time to read this. For those who may not know me I am a second year PhD student in Political Science.
If elected VP-Operations it will be my responsibility to ensure that both the General Membership Meetings (GMM) and the end of the term parties are run as smoothly and successfully as possible. As a committed and active member of our union, I’ve come to appreciate the importance both of these functions serve. Witness the three GMMs: the true strength of our union is in our numbers and our solidarity which our attendance at these meetings highlights. Although we all read The Instigator and receive union updates from our department stewards, the GMMs are instrumental for the open dialogue with our Brothers and Sisters they provide. Besides, as busy as we all are it’s important that we take some time to socialize with our fellow GTF’s (read: drink keg beer and wine and eat pizza). It is my hope that our attendance at GMMs continues to rise throughout the year.
This leads me to the second function planned by the VP-Operations: the End of Term Parties. Where the GMM provides us an opportunity to learn the state of the Union, the EOT parties are simply a time to reflect on the past term while enjoying the company of your fellow graduate students. These parties are a way of rewarding ourselves for the hard work and dedication we’ve put in over the past 10+ weeks. Because of this, I will always welcome suggestions on how to make these parties as enjoyable as possible.
Finally, as a voting member on the GTFF Executive Council you can be confident that I’m aware of the current issues facing our union and will always look out for our best interests. Thank you.
[edit] VP-Grievances
Scott Nieradka - I'm Scott Nieradka; I served as the steward to the art department this year. As steward, I have take my responsibilities seriously and believe I’ve done a decent job; I worked as hard as any steward, settled several grievances, done everything asked of me, never missed a meeting, and have tried to make my department a slightly better place to work. As I have experience with the grievance process, I’ve been asked to run for VP of grievances, by the previous officers, as they needed somebody to do it.
Something like 90% of grievances are because the professors have no idea what is in our contract (and probably many of us don’t as well), and one of the primary jobs of the grievance officer is one of education; education of the professors to avoid problems in the first place, and educating us and our stewards, to know when there is a problem. Secondly, is when it comes to a formal grievance going through the process professionally and impersonally. And thirdly, encouraging people to speak up when there is a problem with their job, and not just going home and complaining over a beer. I’ve tried to do these things in my department, and can do them university wide.
As an officer in general, I will push for greater democracy in our union; while our union is not as top-down as most unions, still most of the decisions are made by the six or seven officers, with little evidence of input from the membership. Really, the point of the union to firstly improve our quality of life, (through the benefits of our contract, health care, job security, having a job where you are treated with respect, etc, and, yes, then not excluding, having a community of fellow teachers, improving the larger community, and the occasional free beer) And secondly, to protect and encourage the right for us individually to have a voice in our jobs and decisions that directly effect our day to day lives, to be political on a very basic level. This is not rocket surgery - as an officer, I will make sure our energy and limited resources are efficiently focused on things that directly and tangibly effect those two goals for all members.
So, if you want me to be your VP of Grievances, ill take the responsibility seriously, and work hard on your behalf, and will complete all responsibilities I take on. This is by far the best job I've ever had, and I'm honestly grateful for all the union has done over the years, and I would gladly take on more work to give back to the union.
Dan Andersen - Brothers and Sisters-
Having worked within this union for the past four years (as a steward and e-councilor, Sun River delegate, on the space and planning commission, etc.), I am excited for the opportunity to pursue the position of grievance officer. I humbly ask for your vote.
It is my belief that what makes the GTFF an exceptional union is its connection to its members. It is run by graduate students in the service of graduate students. This is clear in the way we organize, the opportunities available for member input and participation, in the efforts to make the office, staff, and decision making processes accessible. I have always felt that our union takes seriously the fostering of a meaningful solidarity, as opposed to an anonymous aggregation of members useful only as leverage for collective bargaining. And as such it deserves praise in its effort to create an all-too-rare instance of democracy in the workplace. The grievance officer is in a particularly critical position in continuing (and improving further upon) these efforts. A grievance officer is (as I see it) specifically dedicated to keeping the union engaged in the service of its members -- in ensuring it remains connected to the particular experiences of those that comprise its body and dedicated foremost to improving these experiences. When things go wrong, it is about knowing the contract and holding administration accountable to what we have worked so hard for. But it is also about simply being there for members to let them know that we care about making their jobs better (safer, more just, more rewarding). It is about showing that we value their particular concerns and stand ready to act as a collective body on their behalf if and when it is required. Thus it is the office "par excellence" of what I have come to most admire about the GTFF. If elected I would strive to offer my fullest energy and commitment in the service of our members. We deserve no less from this office.
[edit] VP-External Relations
[edit] VP-Member Communications
Heather Holmquest - Hello! My name is Heather Holmquest, and I have been a steward for the music department for the last year. You should vote for me as VP Membership Communications for the following reasons:
1. This year, I have had the pleasurable experience of taking notes for the GMM, and I am an expert at filtering through the chaos, such as standing on chairs, beer, pizza, and more beer. I am eager to share these skills with you!
2. When I volunteered to take notes, I found out that no one would be subject to my dry wit and snarky, tongue-in-cheek remarks except for Carolyn! Tragic! If elected, I can share my observations via the newsletter that would be delivered to you every term.
3. I admit it. I rock at sitting at desks. I have over 20 years of experience. I believe that over-qualifies me to sit at the check-in desk at the GMM, but I promise I won't move on to a better job and leave you hanging.
4. I do all my own stunts AND illustrations.
5. I want to represent a sizable part of the GTF workforce (we music GTFs are numerous but hermetic), and combined with my steward position, convince more music GTFs to, well, represent.
6. Finally, in all seriousness, I'm not usually the kind of person who jumps on board and runs for an official position of anything. I am more of the covertly-volunteer-to-take-notes kind of person. However, being a part of the GTFF has inspired me to use my skills to possibly inspire others. I think I am best with communicating through humor, avid use of a spell-checker, and exclamation points, so if you're down with that, then vote for me. I want to see if I can make my difference in this union by volunteering my time to write you letters and tell you important things. I'm ready and willing to learn about the inner workings of this union, and in turn, inspire you do do the same. Thanks!
[edit] VP-Political Education
[edit] Treasurer
Jacob Dittmer - After two years of membership in the GTFF, I find myself ready and eager to participate more directly in the leadership and direction of our organization. As treasurer I aim to maintain a balanced budget with prudent spending decisions. For the past year I have served as a member representative on the GTFF Health Trust. This experience has made me familiar with the ins and outs of our current health plan and as Treasurer I will work toward maintaining and improving our benefits. The treasurer's role in any organization requires a degree of forward thinking, understanding, and shrewdness. I think I possess these qualities and will bring them to the role of Treasurer for the GTFF.
