Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1511993
AROUND AEA 5 WINTER 2023 | ADVOCATE W e are so proud to share that Arizona added more new members over the last year than any other National Education Association affiliate. is is a huge accomplishment, and it's the product of thousands of conversations over the last 12 months with educators across the state—from classroom teachers and school bus drivers to counselors and custodians. Much of this membership growth comes from educators' efforts to reach majority status at as many schools and worksites as possible. Majority status means that more than 50% of the eligible employees at a given workplace have joined our union. Reaching majority status gives site reps and local presidents the ability to advocate and negotiate with confidence, knowing that they speak for a majority of the staff. And it's a necessary step to building a high-participation union that engages most employees at any given site, as opposed to a smaller union that involves just a handful of activists. Majority status is a critical milestone when it comes to building union strength and power, and more schools and worksites are getting there every day. Some schools, worksites and locals are now aiming for supermajority status, which means that more than 75% of eligible educators are union members. is is huge! Once a supermajority of employees are in the union, local leaders know that they have a powerful mandate, and it becomes possible to win all kinds of changes and improvements that were once out of reach. We're determined to keep fighting for the excellent public schools that our students, our communities and our fellow educators deserve, and we know that building union power is one important step on the way. Congratulations to everyone who has been part of our amazing growth over the last year. We can't wait to see where we go next! Arizona Boasts Highest Membership Growth in the Nation