The Union for the Information Age

CWA Equity Meeting Minutes

September 27, 2007

 Present:  Naiela Long, Alea Espina, Sharon Goff, Alexis Stine, Ray Gonzalez, Dean Sparks, Joan Huey, Avis Mailey, Karen Thompson, Tommy Streets, Paul Green, Franklin Johnson, Amber Holland, Debora Espy

 Excused: Tashina Traylor, Rafenia Jefferies

 1.)    We welcomed new member Alea Espina to her first Equity meeting

 2.)    Naiela put out a plea for a secretary and for someone to act in her place when she is not available for the regular monthly Equity meeting, and also to remind the committee when there is a meeting.  At the meeting no one showed immediate interest, but during the 10/25/07 someone will have to be chosen.

 3.)    We went over the budget that was issued to the Budget committee for the 2008 fiscal year.  The budget was done on 09/13/07 and issued to the committee on 09/13/07.  The committee was strongly encouraged to start saving their own personal funds and resources to attend confrences for the remainder of 2007 and the whole 2008.  Once the budget committee has issued out what the Equity committee will work with for the 2008 budget year, then the committee must decide how to allocate the funds.  The original request was a lump sum conference budget of $15,000 and $3871.44 for salaries, events, planning, parades, etc…Once the final budget has been done, we will revamp everything in the 10/25/07 meeting and allocate funds as needed.

 4.)    The first MultiFaith works training is to be held on Saturday October 13, 2007 at 9am.  It is encouraged that all who can attend please be there to begin our first care team.  More info for the next training coming soon

 5.)    We went around the room and discussed what the committee as a whole would like to see and do for the rest of 2007 and the new 2008 year for the committee:

 Sharon- n/a

 Alexis- “ We need to get things done for the elections and we need to educate our stewards and collegues more on the upcoming contract”

 Raymond- “I am not sure yet what I want to see, but I agree with Alexis”

 Dean – “We need to participate in more parades and start buying candy now.  It is close to holloween and candy lasts for a long time, but I really want to see CWA out there in the community a whole lot more”

 Joan- “We need to make sure we have conflict resolution training as soon as possible.  With contract coming it will be extremely necessary.”

 Karen- “We need to participate more with Jobs With Justice.  The meetings are at the Labor Temple the day after the E-Board meeting.  Craig Dameron is the co-chair for that group and sign up can be done on the web.”  (side note, Naiela asked Karen if she would like the be the JWJ liason for the Equity Committee, she agreed to try and keep us up to date on the JWJ upcoming events)

 Tommy- n/a

 Alea- “ I am new so I am still learning what the Equity Committee is all about, but everyone seems to have really good ideas”

 Paul- “We need to be active in the bargaining process and start recruiting for those of you thinking for running for any offices in the local”

 Franklin-“We need to make sure we get our name out to the members and focus on offering conflict resolution and get the proper training for it.” (side note, it was offered by Franklin to make a flyer advertising the Equity Committee and conflict resolution)

 Amber- “We need to get more involved with our other sister groups such as CBTU or APRI on a local level. (Joan)” CBTU meets every 4th Wednesday of the month at the SAFECO building off of Jackson.” (Paul)” APRI meets the 3rd Monday of the month.” Also, we need to think of fundraisers to raise money for the Pediatric Aids Foundation and Union to Union…

 Debora- “We need to be more active and involved in the community”

 Naiela-“I believe that we can do better as a committee.  I agree with everyone’s suggestions and we will work hard to achieve everything that has been discussed”