Delegates enthusiastic about training program

A two-day training session for members of the DC 37 Delegates Council on March 29 and April 1 drew a packed house of eager participants at union headquarters.

“This is great,” said Yvonne Singh, a Principal Administrative Associate and member of Local 1655. “I need to have this kind of information so that I can make informed decisions,” she added.

“I wish they had started this program last year,” said Cynthia Paterson, corresponding secretary of Local 420. “As a delegate to DC 37, I carry 1,600 votes,” she explained, “but I didn’t even know that.”

The need for the training program was determined through a survey conducted at the June 2003 delegates’ meeting by the new Committee for Delegate Empowerment Through Education.

Of those who responded, 97 percent said they wanted education on their role as delegates. “I believe this training will empower delegates and improve the functioning of the Delegates Council, which is the union’s highest governing body,” said Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

The two sessions reviewed a wide range of topics, among them parliamentary procedure, which was covered by Dr. Eli Merchant of the National Association of Parliamentarians. DC 37 Associate General Counsel Eddie Demmings reviewed the constitution of District Council 37 and the role and responsibilities of the delegates.

DC 37 Education Fund Administrator Barbara Kairson stressed the importance of studying all of the pertinent issues thoroughly before voting in an election. Mr. Demmings and Ms. Kairson provided important input into the structure and content of the training program.

“You are very important to the union,” Ms. Roberts told participants. “Nothing is better than knowledge, and you are getting a lot of knowledge here — so don’t take it lightly.”

— Alfredo Alvarado