Dear GEO Members: this is a long email but contains important information regarding upcoming paid/elected GEO positions!

Nominations are now open for elected GEO positions for 2021-2022. Please see below for the nomination call for the positions, including information about the position and the nomination/election process for that position.  Any full member in good standing may nominate themselves or another member in good standing for any of these positions. The deadline for nominations is April 22nd.

Nomination process:
Nominate yourself or someone else in writing to the Steering Committee. Nominations for Bargaining Committee positions should indicate position A or B. You can email this nomination to steering@geouaw.org. Nominations are due by 11:59 PM April 22nd.  If you wish to be a Bargaining Committee At-Large member,you may nominate yourself at the membership meeting on May 7th. If you are unable to attend that meeting, you may send your nomination to the same email as above no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting, steering@geouaw.org to be read at the meeting. Once you have sent in your nomination, a member of the election committee will reach out to you about a candidate statement, campaigning rules, etc. 

If you have any questions regarding the elections or nominations processes, please do not hesitate to email the Elections Committee at elections@geouaw.org. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this election will take place online. 

Nominations are now open for:

• 2 GEO Co-chairs (20 hr. Contracts @ GEO minimum)
• Membership Organizer (20 hr. Contract @ GEO minimum)
• Membership Mobilization Coordinator (20 hr. Contract @ GEO minimum)
• 2 At-Large Steering Committee Members (volunteer positions)
• 3 Bargaining Committee Positions (10 hr. Contract @ GEO minimum) 
• Bargaining Committee At-Large members (5 unpaid & unlimited alternate volunteer positions)

GEO Co-chair (2)

Information about Co-chairs:
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: organizing and overseeing the election of Stewards in departments and/or work sites; chairing Steering Committee meetings and general membership meetings and ensuring agendas are set for both; and acting as primary GEO representatives to the Joint Council of Local 2322 and therefore attending Joint Council meetings. Except where otherwise noted, the co-chairs shall be considered to be the official representatives of GEO to the Administration and in all external relations; sign agreements between GEO and the University (with approval of the General Membership and/or Assembly of Stewards); serve as liaisons for the Steering Committee to the Staff; ensure GEO representation at Central Labor Council meetings; speak on behalf of GEO to media, the University, etc., and manage the production of media and publicity; act as primary liaisons between GEO and other Unions;; oversee publication of GEO newsletter and web page; organizing Standing Committees; and assist the union in achieving its overall mission in the workplace.

Membership Organizer (1)

Duties and Responsibilities: Responsibilities include but are not limited to: assisting with membership drives and engaging in consistent field work; coordinating events and workshops that develop membership participation; recruiting, organizing and overseeing the election of Stewards in departments and/or work sites; fostering stewardship through one-on-one meetings; attending General Membership and Assembly of Stewards meetings, ensuring that those attending GEO Membership Meetings and Steward’s Assembly are members; organizing orientation schedule; maintaining accurate membership lists; coordinate department orientations; assuming duties of the Mobilization Coordinator if they are unavailable; and assisting the union in achieving its overall mission in the workplace. 

Membership Mobilization Coordinator (1)

Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: supervising membership drives; assisting in boosting attendance; attending Steering and Assembly of Stewards meetings; introducing all new members and visitors; assisting the GEO Co-Chairs in preserving order when called upon to do so; ensuring that minutes are taken at all GEO meetings; maintaining records of organization; submitting requisitions to the Local and International as needed; planning and administering GEO operating budget and chairing the GEO Finance Committee; facilitating GEO sponsorship of events and organizations; taking charge of all property of GEO not otherwise provided for; monitoring and giving guidance on procedural questions and rules; ensuring that those attending GEO meetings are either members or invited visitors; assuming duties of the Co-Chairs if they are unavailable; and assisting the union in achieving its overall mission in the workplace.

Steering Committee At-Large Member (2)

Information about the Steering Committee:
The Steering Committee shall be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the unit including, but not limited to: the direction of the day-to-day operations of the organization; the oversight of the staff; preparation and submission of all proposals, budgets, budget requisitions and budget modifications to the Assembly of Stewards for approval; coordination and oversight of standing committees; the appropriate maintenance of the health of the organization; management and execution of the budget; all correspondence and relations between the leadership, the Assembly of Stewards and the membership; and all external relations excepting those duties specifically prescribed for other committees (such as the Bargaining Committee).

The Steering Committee shall meet at least two times a month during the academic year. The committee shall meet once a month at other times. Additional meetings can be called as needed by the officers.

Bargaining Committee Member (2)

The bargaining committee consists of the four elected bargaining members, alternate members, and the GEO staff. The bargaining committee members will elect its chief and co-chief negotiators. All members of the bargaining committee are to serve throughout the duration of a contract negotiation and will not need to be re-elected in the event that contract negotiations are extended beyond a year. Membership will have ultimate oversight over the bargaining committee and the committee answers to and is in service to the membership. The bargaining committee’s responsibility is to assess the needs of the membership prior to negotiations and make them transparent regularly via the GEO website.

Nominations are now open for three paid positions on the GEO bargaining committee and an unlimited number of alternate volunteer positions:

– Bargaining Research & Proposal Coordinators (2) (10 hr. contract)

– Bargaining Organizing & Mobilization Coordinators (1) (10 hr. contract)

– Bargaining Committee At-Large members (5 unpaid & unlimited alternate volunteer positions)

A) Bargaining Research & Proposal Coordinators (2 positions):
The two Bargaining Research & Proposal Coordinators will focus on researching, drafting, discussing, and writing our contract proposals for negotiations. These elected members will also help argue for our proposals at the bargaining table with the administration. Paid GEO Bargaining team members are expected to make Bargaining-related trainings and meetings that have been scheduled (around team members’ availability). These elected members will also serve as the liaison between the negotiating/research group, and will be in regular communication with the existing listserv of members who have signed up to be active on this committee and the bargaining committee.

AND

B) Bargaining Organizing & Mobilization Coordinators (1 position):
The two Bargaining Organizing & Mobilization Coordinators will focus on organizing members around their issues/concerns. These elected members are responsible for involving more members in the bargaining process and recruiting members to speak at the bargaining table (to administration) and for actions around contract negotiations. Paid GEO Bargaining team members are expected to make Bargaining-related trainings and meetings that have been scheduled (around team members’ availability). These elected members will also serve as the liaison between the campaigning/organizing group and will be in regular communication with stewards, the existing listserv of members who have signed up to be active on this committee, and the bargaining committee.

The three paid coordinator positions open are fully benefitted, 10/hours per week GEO jobs at the GEO minimum and shall continue through the summer and through the end of the semester in which negotiations conclude or upon resignation.

Please keep an eye out for further announcements.

In Solidarity,

the GEO Elections Committee