84th Annual Conference energizes members for coming election
8/5/10
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SACRAMENTO--CSEA’s 84th Annual Conference was a labor of love, featuring visits by gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown and other political representatives, a rally at the Capitol for education funding, and long, late hours as delegates took action on 14 resolutions.
Association President Allan Clark called upon members to help restore the California Dream, focusing on the CAUSE (California Advocates United to Save Education) project that is building a movement statewide to bring California back to the top five in education funding.
“It is now our opportunity and our responsibility to do something about what’s important to all of us and make sure that we leave our children with a future,” Clark said. |
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"Ordinary people like you and me have achieved great things in the past and this time is no different.”
Jerry Brown addresses members
CSEA’s endorsed gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown delivered the keynote speech, asking members to stand and fight with him to win the governor’s race in November.
“We’re in a battle here and you can make a difference,” Brown said. “It takes all of you to work together. We need more of you!”
The thousands of member-delegates chanted and marched to the steps of the Capitol, where they rallied for education funding. Clark accompanied schoolchildren who delivered artwork they made about the education cuts to the governor’s office.
“All of these children standing here with us today deserve the best chance we can to give them to achieve their hopes and dreams for the future,” Clark said.
Business sessions run late into the night
Member-delegates worked into the late night to complete action on 14 resolutions. They approved eight resolutions and rejected six. The delegates also approved the association’s budget.
CSEA handed out its most prestigious honors during the conference. Longtime member Sophia Wages was awarded Life Membership, while Retiree Unit director Joe Rao was named to the Honor Roll. Debra Cook-Lewis, Wilsona Chapter 723 president, was named Activist of the Year and Veronica Rosales won the first-ever William P. Schwartz award for humanitarianism.
Members were delighted and inspired by the closing keynote addresses of Connie Leyva, of UFCW, and Willie L. Pelote, Sr., of AFSCME.
Bringing it back home
Delegatges were keenly aware of the challenges posed by the state budget crisis, but were eager to bring the information learned at conference back to their home chapters to help energize their fellow members for the important election ahead and beyond.
“It’s going to take all of us to make this work,” said Eunice Grigsby, member of LACOE Paraeducators Chapter 624.
The conference was the final one for longtime Area D Director Ferral Hubbard and Area B Director Mary Stewart. Both are retiring. The new Area B Director is Linda Blanchard and the new Area D Director is Rameldia Mark.
The 85th Annual Conference will take place Aug. 1-5, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nev.