President’s Corner: Investing in Ourselves November 2024

MAPE has grown to more than 18,000 members, adding 2,500 to our bargaining unit over the last two years alone. However, our membership has only grown by 900, and long-serving members are retiring faster than we can replace them. If we want to keep building our bargaining power and shaping our own future, it's clear that we need a new approach. 

Our $1 million Membership Organizing Campaign is fully funded and ready to drive this change. This investment is a commitment to reach 70% membership by recruiting 1,200 new members in the short term while creating an infrastructure to sustain high levels of membership and activism. Every one of us has a role in building a strong, resilient MAPE, and now is the time to step forward. 

Here is our plan, and how you can contribute: 

Union Education: Every member needs to know who we are, what we stand for, and why their voice matters. Through direct, one-on-one conversations, we aim to bring in 75% of new hires as members within their first 30 days. We need everyone's support in making these conversations impactful and ongoing. If you're ready to connect with new colleagues and share the value of membership, please reach out. 

Member Organizer Training: We’re doubling our trained organizers through new programs, workshops, and mentorships so that members who want to build our union have the tools they need. Join the movement to support and mentor new organizers. I hope you’ll sign up for training and be a voice in our leadership academy, 

Modernizing Technology: Our outdated systems are being upgraded to support MAPE members more effectively. This includes a new CRM to track real-time membership data and improve organizing efforts. These updates will make it easier for us to connect, mobilize and track progress. You’ll see these changes rolling out soon – I hope you will use them to enhance your organizing efforts. 

Community-Building Events: We’re building more spaces to connect as members, offering social events, workshops and statewide gatherings that keep us engaged and united. Expect to see a 25% increase in union events. I look forward to seeing you there! These events are where relationships strengthen and where we draw power to act together. 

Imagine the power we’ll have when 80% of our eligible members join MAPE. Picture the strength we'll bring to negotiations and the influence we can exert in the legislature. The future we're building will rely on every member’s action and commitment. Join us in this movement – not in the future, but now. Let’s set our union on a new path, together. 

Let’s get to work. 

In solidarity,   

MAPE President