This May long weekend, I attended my first Annual Representative Assembly as a delegate for Calgary Separate School Local No. 55. How did I get here, and why did I give up my long weekend to get involved?
I’m new to the teaching profession, but I’m not new to the world of labour relations. Before becoming a teacher, I served as president of my local union while working as educational support staff with the Calgary Catholic School District. During that time, I had the opportunity to attend Unifor’s national convention, which gave me early exposure to the broader work of union organizing. When an opportunity arose to serve as a school representative (SR) at my school, I was excited to be involved in the process of representation again.
I work at a high school with a number of experienced SRs who are a great resource and helped welcome me into the operations of the local. Initially, I had thoughts that maybe I wasn’t needed, considering how impressed I was with our current representation, and thinking that there wasn’t anything I could add. However, when there was an opening, I was happy to step up and realized that every new voice brings value.
Attending Council of School Representatives (CSR) meetings has been both informative and inspiring. I left feeling impressed by how well the local runs. At each meeting, I deepened my knowledge about the operations of the local, met and heard from members at other schools in the district, and gained practical information that I could bring back to my school.
I believe in public education, and I believe in the power of strong labour relations and organizing. I saw that CSR meetings represent a powerful tool for representation at the local level, as they help foster a greater sense of connection to the colleagues in the local beyond our worksite. And the ARA extends even further, giving us a chance to connect as Alberta teachers. With this in mind, I was happy to volunteer to serve as an ARA delegate this year.
When members participate in organized events, like CSR meetings and ARA, we help become part of the structures to more effectively mobilize when necessary and, thereby, make our Association strong. This is not just about having strength in our ability to represent members and to advocate for students, but strength to navigate difficult situations, like the current political climate. As we see right now, being involved keeps us prepared for challenges, both expected and unexpected. Our strength comes from us all.
In many ways, my first time at ARA reminded me of Unifor’s national convention: I saw debate, collaboration and collective leadership. It also reminded me that we are all in it together. ARA is a chance to see our Association from a different light. It makes the work of the ATA feel tangible and close. It brings the “provincial” down to a “local” feel. You get to see the people behind the communications you receive, hear from your leadership directly and witness teachers from across the province come together to shape our shared direction.
I believe in public education, and I believe in the power of strong labour relations and organizing.
Being involved in this work is something I see as a duty and a gift. We are able—and encouraged—to participate in our Association. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve now, and will continue to in the future, even if I miss out on my May long weekend on occasion.
Calgary high school teacher and ARA delegate
Jessie Olson teaches Communication Technology at St. Francis High School in Calgary and is passionate about running and photography.
