Delegates come "Together Again, Fighting to Win" for OCSEA's biennial convention next week!
The OCSEA 35th Biennial Convention is just a week away. Nearly 600 OCSEA elected delegates and alternates will converge on Columbus to represent their members and conduct the business of the union. This includes elections of all three statewide officers and making updates to the OCSEA Constitution. Delegates also vote on resolutions, which take stances on a wide range of specific issues that impact public employee union members.
The Convention will take place Thursday, August 24 through Saturday, August 26, 2023. Because of the pandemic, this is the first in-person convention since 2019. We can't wait to get things rolling next week as delegates come together.
Pre-convention activities, including pre-registration, will also take place during the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 23. Delegates should go to OCSEA.org/Convention to get pre-convention news and learn about Wednesday night's events and more.
This year's convention theme is “Together Again, Fighting to Win.” The theme recognizes the moment we are experiencing right now! As union members and leaders, we’re getting back together in solidarity, and we couldn’t be happier. We’re holding in-person meetings, sponsoring union trainings, launching special events, attending conferences, and gathering together in all the ways that make OCSEA strong. At the same time, the theme recognizes that our battles aren’t over (far from it) and that anti-union efforts continue. But working together, with all the power of our well- organized union membership, means we are more prepared than ever to take on these challenges. We do not stand alone in this fight: Together Again, Fighting to Win!
Combined Charitable Campaign kicks off Aug. 22
The annual Combined Charitable Campaign (CCC) kicks off next week, and we're so excited to, once again, be part of the joint effort to give back to Ohio in a big way! OCSEA and the State of Ohio have partnered on the CCC fundraising campaign for decades. We highly encourage OCSEA members to give back to their charities of choice as they are able. The campaign runs August 22 through October 20.
CCC will hold a special kick off event next Tuesday, Aug. 22 at the Rhodes State Office Tower lobby from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The presentation begins at noon. The event will feature Paul Keels, the 2023 CCC Honorary Chair. Keels is the play-by-play announcer for Ohio State Football and Men’s Basketball through Ohio State Radio.
Last week, CCC coordinators from around Ohio met at OCSEA and online to get ready for the upcoming charitable-giving season. The life blood and communicators of the campaign, the coordinators received training on the resource guide, the online E-pledge system and learned about some of the 1,100 charities and federations that do good work for Ohio. Union Chairs OCSEA VP Rocky Jolly and OCSEA President Chris Mabe welcomed coordinators and state Chairs to the Union Hall for this joint effort and thanked them for their volunteer efforts.
One of those volunteer CCC coordinators is Nabeel Khoury, a union activist for Commerce Chapter 2501. Nabeel is chief steward for the chapter and proud to be active in the CCC, going on his fourth year now. Nabeel encourages other union members to give back to CCC as they are able. "The cool thing about CCC is, with over 1,100 charities, there's always something that you can find close to your heart. Even a little bit goes a long way," said Nabeel. "CCC and being union go hand-in-hand. Giving back and taking care of others is at the heart of our union mission," he said.
The goal for the campaign this year is $2.1 million (but we'd love to surpass last year's record of $2.2). Thanks to ALL the union members who make this program a success year after year! Learn more about the campaign at the CCC website.
Is your chapter planning a CCC event? Let us know about it by emailing communications@ocsea.org.
Give back to the CCC at upcoming Team Up ODOT and Roadeo
OCSEA will be holding a CCC fundraiser at the upcoming Team Up ODOT/ Roadeo. The annual celebration of ODOT employee innovation and skill will take place next Wednesday, Aug 23 starting at 8 a.m. inside and outside the Lausche Building. It's located at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus.
OCSEA will be providing the event's luncheon starting at noon, with all proceeds going to the CCC. For $3, attendees can purchase a hot dog, chips and a drink. For an additional $1, attendees can also purchase an ice cream sandwich. Additionally, donuts and coffee will be for sale before and during the ODOT Roadeo starting around 8 a.m. Only cash will be accepted for both. Food will be available in the Donahey Ag/Hort Building, next door to the Lausche Building. The awards ceremony will also be held in the Ag building following the fundraiser lunch.
Labor Gives Back! Donate to union members impacted by Hawaii wildfires
More than 300 AFSCME members live in Lahaina, a city on the Hawaiian island of Maui, which was devastated by wildfires last week. Union members have already stepped up as public employees do to collect food, water and baby supplies for their neighbors. The United Public Workers AFSCME Local 646 has been leading efforts on the ground to gather items for impacted members and their families. While Local 646 continues to distribute supplies to families on the island, their outside donation drive has ended due to capacity issues. But there are still ways to help Maui union families in need!!!
The UNAC/UHCP Maui Wildfire Relief Fund is continuing to take contributions. Your financial contributions through United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals will assist union members with immediate expenses such as housing, food, and child care. As the crisis subsides, the fund will go directly to help them build a more secure future for themselves and their families. Make your direct contribution here: unacuhcp.io/maui-help
Additionally, as with all major disasters impacting union members, AFSCME will be providing financial support to members affected by this tragedy. You can help by donating to the AFSCME Fallen Heroes Fund. The Fund provides relief and immediate assistance to members who fall victim to natural disasters and other tragedies. Since its inception, the fund has provided financial assistance to nearly 5,000 members. Prefer to donate by check? Please make your check payable to the “AFSCME Fallen Heroes Fund” and mail it c/o the fund at AFSCME, 1625 L St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-5687.
Celebrate Labor Day at the Great American Ball Park
The Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council and the Cincinnati Reds are excited to announce that the Historic Labor Day Celebration is back at the Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds. And this year, the event will be held on the actual Labor Day holiday, Monday Sept. 4.
The celebration of all things workers and their unions will take place on Monday, September 4 starting at noon. Discount tickets are available to union members for $12 using the member link below. The event will also include a Labor Day tailgate with exclusive access to the Great American Ball Park Fan Zone prior to the general gates opening. The Reds vs. Seattle Mariners game begins at 4:10 p.m.
Union members can purchase tickets directly at the Cincinnati Reds ticket sales website at www.Reds.com/Labor. No promo code is required.
OCSEA members are invited to come out and bring members, family, and friends to celebrate and show appreciation for the hard-working women and men of labor across the Greater Cincinnati area, Ohio and nationwide. Chapters are urged to share the event and flyer with their local members and to make an event of the Labor Day celebration. The AFL-CIO represents 12.5 million sisters and brothers across the United States, including OCSEA members.
If you have any questions about tickets, please contact Nick Geraci with the Reds at ngeraci@reds.com or 513-765-7975.
Get tickets HERE.
Download the event flyer and share with your chapter.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
- 12 PM – Great American Ball Park gates open and welcome
- 12 PM - 1:30 PM Private Labor and Friends gathering Music with Paul Wagner Band on the Fan Zone Stage
- 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM Special guest speakers on the Fan Zone Stage
- 2:15 PM - 4:10 PM Fan Zone open to public with Music from our Friends at CFT Local 1520 on the Fan Zone Stage