Summer Learning at Leadership and Advocacy Summit

This summer, about three dozen North Dakota United members gathered at Horizon Middle School in Bismarck for NDU’s second annual Summer Leadership and Advocacy Summit (SLAS). Over two days, members took part in workshops on organizing, growing membership, negotiating and communicating more effectively with their members and throughout their communities.

The summit kicked off with a welcome from NDU President Nick Archuleta and a presentation from Erin Oban about North Dakotans for Public Schools. From there, it was off to the races.

One of the most useful things a local leader can do is to map membership inside their local education association. Using charts, spreadsheets and building maps, leaders can visualize membership, spot opportunities for growth and plan outreach more strategically.

“We’re the biggest district in the state and when we started mapping, it showed us we have so much room for growth,” Jessica Van Winkle, president of the Bismarck Education Association, said. “I’m glad we have these resources, because it gives my building reps a visual tool. Hopefully it helps them build their own leadership in their schools and creates momentum to seek out potential members.”

Mapping can help leaders pair new members with mentors, plan events where they’re most needed, and make sure nobody falls through the cracks when there is a slate of new hires.

“It helps us spend time where it matters most,” said Charles Rerick, an elementary music teacher in Grand Forks. “Instead of casting a wide net and hoping someone clicks a link, we’re having individual conversations with the right people. It makes a big difference in how I reach out to potential members.”

Organizing isn’t always easy; sometimes it feels like an uphill battle. People join for different reasons, bring different levels of commitment, and sometimes even wonder about union membership altogether. That can make leadership difficult. At SLAS, members talked through those challenges and learned strategies to push past apathy, strengthen connections, and build momentum in their locals.

“For me, I think the biggest thing SLAS highlighted for me is that visibility is a huge piece of the puzzle,” Rerick said. “My local struggles with that a little bit, highlighting the positive work they’re doing. Shining a light on that is big.”

Strong communication is one of the best tools a local education union can have, but it’s often overlooked. Local leaders also learned communication strategies to more effectively message to members, potential members, and the general public. They also got a look at the communications resources NDU staff can provide.

“We’re thrilled with the work NDU communications staff did on our video. We’ll show it at our first building representative meeting and use it as a recruitment tool. Honestly, I had tears in my eyes. It was amazing to see members who haven’t spoken up before rise to the challenge and show their awesomeness,” Van Winkle said.

“There is a texting tool where I can push out targeted messages to building reps,” said Rerick. “I know when I was a building rep, I often felt like, ‘I’d love to be doing something, but I don’t know what.’ Now I know how to activate those folks who are waiting for someone to say, ‘Here’s how you can help.’”

When the summit wrapped at the end of the second day, members headed for home with new practical skills, fresh ideas and excitement about the upcoming school year.

“This conference was impactful,” said Jessica Van Winkle. “As a local leader who has risen through the ranks, both times I’ve gone, I’ve felt recharged. It gave me motivation to do all the things and reminded me that I’m not alone. It really lifts the sails.”

That’s what SLAS is all about: giving leaders tools they can put to work right away and connecting them with colleagues from around the state, so we can build a stronger union together.