The annual Women's Action Committee (WAC) and Minority and Community Committee (CMCA) Conference was held tMay 3-5. The joint conference was held in Sandusky, Ohio and was attended by nearly 300 OCSEA activists.
The Committees came together to build solidarity and diversity, not only in public service but through union activism. The event was co-chaired by OCSEA activists Annie Pleasant-Combs (WAC) and Sherry Little (CMCA).
"Breaking barriers together, let's embrace unity and shed the us "vs" them mindset. It's time to weave a tapestry of togetherness!" WAC Committee member Mercedes Hare said, reciting an article from Living World Chapel, a faith-based, positivity-centered organization. Diversity, unity, mental health and faith were at the center of the conference's messages.
In addition to networking and union building, attendees got the chance to hear guest speakers Dr. Audra Martin, a clinical and social services expert; Jamie Trout, a Zanesville faith leader and community service advocate; and André Washington, our great friend in labor from our sister union OAPSE who also represents the A. Philip Randolph Labor Institute and the Ohio NAACP. Attendees also received a contract update from President Chris Mabe. Download Dr. Audra Martin's presentation "Community Champions, the Fabric of Our Lives."
Additionally, all attendees and their families viewed a screening of the film “At the River I Stand.” This important film documents the two months leading to Martin Luther King, Jr’s death in 1968, coinciding with the 65 day strike of 1,300 Memphis sanitation workers belonging to AFSCME Local 1733.
Attendees also helped raise over $1,000 for Kathy's Creature Comforts, a labor of love for OCSEA Secretary-Treasurer Kathy Gerpser. The program purchases stuffed animals for children residing in Ohio domestic violence shelters. Funds were raised through a basket raffle and donations.
"A single hug from a very special stuffed toy can make all the difference in a young child's life, especially when they are facing tough obstacles and uncertainty," said Kathy.