Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1503521
ADVOCACY CORNER 15 SUMMER 2023 | ADVOCATE KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! Be ready to stand up for yourself when problems arise. DON'T WAIT. Report anything you believe to be the basis of a formal complaint as soon as you can. Reach out to your local union and to AEA. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Take notes, and save copies of emails and other documents. Send follow-up emails aer meetings with your understanding of what happened, what was agreed and any next steps. ASK FOR YOUR UNION REP. Ask for a representative to be present in evaluation & discipline meetings. Say: "I'd love to meet with you to discuss this. Let's schedule a time to meet when my union representative can be present." If your request is refused, listen, respond to the questions asked with limited factual information, and ask to follow up with additional information aer you have spoken with your union representative. STAY PROFESSIONAL. Don't post your frustrations on social media, and don't let your emotions make you say something you will regret. Instead, reach out to your union. Remember: you aren't alone! BUILD COLLECTIVE POWER. ere's strength in numbers. Talk to your colleagues about whether they're experiencing the same problems and encourage them to join our union! We're more powerful when we're together.