Over the weekend, OCSEA activists gathered at Deer Creek State Park for the 2026 Women’s Action Committee (WAC) Conference. This year’s conference theme was “Together We Lead, Together We Win,” focusing on the importance of solidarity as we face this year’s union and political challenges, and how crucial women leadership is in the fight.
On Friday night, attendees participated in a GOTV (Get Out The Vote) Training, which helped educate and inform union members on the ways public employees can get engaged in the crucial fight to protect Ohio's public service jobs and the union rights given to them under the law. A networking event later that evening celebrated the Kentucky Derby.
On Saturday, the main session kicked off with welcomes from OCSEA leaders President Chris Mabe, Vice President Cynthia Watiker, and WAC Chair Natalie Qualls. “We have to have somebody at the [bargaining] table who cares about Ohioans, who cares about labor. Give us one term with a labor-friendly governor, and you’ll see what a union can do,” said Mabe. “We have an important election coming up, it’s a big year. And if you want to see a change, you need to be that change,” said Qualls.
Kathleen Clyde, the Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, spoke to attendees. “We’re working to get the word out to people however we can. We’re connecting with Ohioans every day–– with families who are worried, public workers who are worried. Ohioans are struggling, and we have a real opportunity to change the direction our state is going,” she said. “The strength of women is going to carry us in this critical election,” she added.
The day’s guest speakers also included several candidates for statewide office. Annette Blackwell, Mayor of Maple Heights and the Democratic candidate for Ohio Auditor, said, “The voters that put us in these offices want a return on their investment. They want integrity, they want ethics, they want you to come out of your office and do what you need to do to make sure you’re successful.” Justice Jennifer Brunner of the Ohio Supreme Court spoke of the value of public service, saying, “Public service is measured in goodwill. It’s what you do for the people that you serve. I want you to know that you’re appreciated even when no one tells you you’re appreciated.” Dr. Amy Acton, candidate for Governor who is crossing the state on the campaign trail, sent in a message via video thanking OCSEA members and looking at the road ahead. “What we’re seeing on the ground is so moving. Ohioans are ready for public servants who actually solve problems instead of make them,” she said. “Together, we are going to tell Mr. Ramaswamy, in no uncertain terms, ‘you cannot buy this state!’” she added.
Finally, the day closed out with a rousing speech by Dr. Julius Bailey, Professor of Philosophy and Director of Justice, Law & Public Policy at Wittenberg University. “Working people understand that this country is held together by you,” he said. “Democracy dies when family values are praised in speeches but not in policy. That’s exactly why the women’s action committee matters. I thank you for the work that you do,” he said.