IBEW 1245 delegates to the Membership Development Conference, with IBEW International President Ken Cooper
IBEW 1245 Organizing Stewards Juan Montoya, Rodrigo Flores, Iyasha Davis and Ramona Garcia, along with staffers Ralph Armstrong, Mark Maumau, Rene Cruz Martinez and Charlotte Stevens, represented IBEW 1245 at the IBEW International Membership Development Conference in Chicago in late August.
“This year’s theme was ‘Your Ticket to the Middle Class – Organizing is the Key,’” reported Organizing Steward Iyasha Davis. “The conference highlighted ways in which each of us can be better organizers by taking action to bring others into our union and give them a better life, which includes a safer work environment, economic security, respect and a multitude of opportunities.”
“The conference was skillfully led by former IBEW 1245 member Jammi L. Ouellette,” said Lead Organizing Steward Juan Montoya. “Although the list of guest speakers was extensive, one standout individual was International President of the IBEW, Kenneth W. Cooper. President Cooper outlined an ambitious plan to boost our membership numbers to 1 million within the next five years, a significant increase from our current count of 800,000.”
“The electric field is rapidly expanding because of new technologies, and the race to electrify our economy could possibly bring greater opportunities for our union to grow,” Rodrigo Flores elaborated. “The Intel plant being built in Ohio is just one opportunity for the IBEW to increase membership while providing jobs with good pay and benefits, the ticket to the middle class for many future brothers and sisters of the IBEW. The other opportunity that really caught my attention was high speed rail planned for between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. It will require many employees with electric/energy training, and is another opportunity for our union to expand membership and provide members with good paying jobs with good benefits.”
The conference was designed to equip organizers and staffers with everything they need to organize new members and grow the union. Each day was filled with dynamic speakers, presentations and workshops.
“Our very own International Lead Organizer, Rick Thompson and Justin Puaoi presented the workshop, ‘Winning By Not Losing, Assessing Campaigns,’ which was my favorite workshop,” said Charlotte Stevens.
IBEW 1245 Lead Organizer Rick Thompson presented a workshop of assessing organizing campaigns
“The workshop that resonated with me the most was ‘Sharpening Our Skills to Defeat Disinformation and Strengthen Our Democracy,’” said Davis. “The presenter gave key points on how to be successful in bringing people into our union; how every connection should end with a good outcome (kindness, humanity, education, and have them feel a connection); and most importantly, how to be a good leader.”
“I really enjoyed listening to Martin Helms; who is the Executive Director for Helmets to Hardhats. It’s a program that connects transitioning active-duty military service members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists with skilled training and quality career opportunities,” said Organizing Steward Ramona Garcia. “They also educate service members on how they can use their G.I. Bill benefits to supplement their incomes while participating in a registered apprenticeship program through 15 international construction trade unions, including IBEW.”
At the end of the conference, the 1245 delegation returned home ready to do their part to grow and strengthen the IBEW.
“Attending the Membership Development Conference has inspired me and reinforced my commitment to actively participating in various facets of our union. It has ignited a renewed passion for increasing our local participation,” said Montoya. “While I’ve often felt that inviting my peers to our unit meetings and organizing training sessions were not my strong suits, the MDC experience taught me an invaluable lesson. Surrounded by nearly 1,200 dedicated fellow union members at the conference, I came to understand that achieving remarkable accomplishments doesn’t rest solely on the shoulders of a few individuals but depends on the dedication and drive of many.”
“My biggest takeaway [from the conference] was we all have a story to tell. We have all struggled. But once you get the IBEW bug, you want to share it with everyone,” said Garcia. “Since joining IBEW, my life has changed tremendously. I am no longer fearful of losing my job. I have financial freedom, and can be proud to be a part of something greater. [This conference] makes me want to do more, recruit more, and hopefully change more lives just like mine.”