The IBEW 1245 Organizing Stewards gathered at Weakley Hall for the first training of 2023
On Saturday, March 4th, 2023, nearly 100 IBEW 1245 organizing stewards packed the IBEW 1245 Union Hall for the first in- person organizing training of the year, themed ‘Being Brilliant at the Basics.’
“The energy in the room was organic and was felt throughout the day,” said IBEW 1245 Assistant Business Manager and Organizer Rene Cruz Martinez. “The engagement and the comradery were like no other. This is what the brotherhood and sisterhood is all about.”
To kick off the day, Organizing Steward Lead Danielle Bonds introduced Business Manager Bob Dean, who riveted the room with his personal story that led him to his current leadership position at IBEW 1245. He proceeded to detail a myriad of recent union victories — including the ongoing efforts to protect hundreds of IBEW 1245 jobs by extending the life of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP). These successes were made possible, in part, by the mobilization of organizing stewards and staff last year.
Business Manager Bob Dean
Dean also chronicled the litany of anticipated battles as billions of dollars pour into our region for fire-hardening and undergrounding projects. He shared that sometimes members ask him, ‘When is the fight going to be over?’ and he offered the group his candid response:
“The fight’s going on for the rest of our lives. It’s never-ending. And it’s a righteous fight. It’s a rare thing, to be able to affect others’ lives,” he said to the room full of organizing stewards who volunteered to attend the weekend training. “I’m humbled by you all showing up today. I salute you. I appreciate you.”
“Our power as a union comes from the work that you do,” IBEW 1245 Political Director Hunter Stern added. “Keeping the lights on, keeping the gas flowing, keeping our customers informed… The services that you provide are essential services, even more so since the pandemic. It helps immensely when it’s time to advocate for policies to protect our work.”
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After the opening presentations, Cruz Martinez introduced a video, produced back in 2014, on the origins of the Organizing Steward program, featuring the first class of 28 organizing stewards. The video is now being used across the IBEW nationally, demonstrating Local 1245’s powerful, intergenerational member-organizing program.
“The [1245 organizing steward] jacket means something. You represent the best of the best,” declared Staff Organizer Charlotte Stevens.
“We have to showcase our union, credential ourselves as proud IBEW 1245 union members,” added Brother Cruz Martinez. “We are all the union.”
But how do we begin?
“Start with a conversation, and share how the union changed your life,” said Staff Organizer Rick Thompson, leading into the first break-out session of the day: Describing the union difference from your own personal perspective and experience. Some of the organizing stewards volunteered to share their heartfelt stories with the room.
Staff Organizer Rick Thompson
“I come from a neighborhood where it wasn’t safe to walk outside – [this union job] gave us the financial ability to get out of there… Not only that. My mom is really sick, and because of IBEW, I have the flexibility that allows me to take her to her appointments.” — Organizing Steward Maria Caratachea Echeverria
“This job got me peace and comfort, and I can take care of my family of 4. It’s all because of the union.” — Organizing Steward Robert Delgado Bustos
“On April 22, 2016 I was fired – accused of doing things I didn’t do. The union fought tirelessly for me from April to October. And then {Business Rep} Gracie Nunez called me. ‘I have good news and bad news. The good news is you got your job back. The bad news is I don’t know your start date.’ The union fought really hard. That’s why I’m here.” — Organizing Steward Jade Phillips
“Once I got a union job, it made it possible for my wife to stay home and raise our kids. That created a foundation for our family. That’s the great thing that I could provide financially.” — Organizing Steward Lead Arnaldo Lizarraga
“Being able to be there for my mom and still have a job is everything to me. Being able to provide for her…knowing that I can be part of an organization that can help people, means everything to me.” — Organizing Steward Ellen “Lanie” Richardson
“I’ve been a single mom most of my life, which meant I was working minimum wage; always had a roommate… thanks to having this union job, I can afford the mortgage on my home.” — Organizing Steward Nicci Bissett
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Following a series of presentations from shop stewards, safety stewards, and the Solano Chapter of IBEW’s Electric Worker Minority Caucus (EWMC), the group watched a highlight reel, produced by the organizing team, featuring many of 1245’s recent campaigns and successes. Cruz Martinez invited those in the room to offer their own highlights as well.
Organizing Steward Donny Davis shared how much he enjoyed campaigning with the IBEW 1245 office staff, and the pride he feels in helping to get 1245 ally Rosanna Herber re-elected to the Board at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (where IBEW 1245 represents more than 200 workers).
Several organizing stewards remarked that people from outside of 1245 often express admiration and appreciation for the 1245 organizing stewards. Organizing Steward Kristen Rasmussen shared that a representative of the National AFL-CIO told her, “You have the best union in the country!”
Brother Quentin Hunter added that, “The biggest take away for me was not just working to get people into office that support [organized] labor, but the ability to build a 1245 family … I brought my kids, and they now have new aunts and uncles. My son’s door is covered by 1245 stickers.”
In the final exercise of the day, stewards gathered by region to plan social and community events in their respective areas. Event ideas included bowling tournaments, parades, BBQs, community college job fairs, summertime water balloon activities and more.
The Sacramento Organizing Leads shared how they have organized get-togethers that also serve as opportunities to give back to less fortunate members in their community.
“In 2022, Alvin, Danielle, and I decided to start a volunteering program,” said Organizing Lead Donny Davis. “We each chose a program, and I chose to support Ticket To Dream. This Foundation supports over 200 foster care facilities across the U.S, by providing brand-new nonperishable items to kids and young adults. As of now, we’ve participated in two volunteer events. Both events were fun, and very rewarding.”
“IBEW 1245 does a lot for members — and we appreciate that — but why not be a helping hand to people who are struggling?” added Danielle Bonds. “We’re truly blessed in our everyday lives, and we wanted to show that by being a blessing to others. We love our IBEW 1245 organizing steward program, and we felt we do a lot when it comes to helping our IBEW 1245 members … so why not use the same tools and help other brothers and sisters outside our organization?”
At the end of the day, the organizing stewards left with a renewed sense of purpose and organizing skills that they will soon put into action.
“A lot of work goes into planning a training, but I must say our team of staff organizers put our heart and soul into making sure we delivered for our stewards,” said Cruz Martinez. “It is events like this that keeps us going and motivated to keep fighting the good fight. Organizing is essential for bringing people together and accomplishing great things!”
–Eileen Purcell, IBEW 1245 Senior Advisor to the Business Manager