Representing one of the largest classes of new chapter presidents in UUP’s history, nearly all of the 10 incoming chapter presidents came together to learn what it takes to lead.

They were among more than 40 members newly elected to various chapter leadership positions who attended the New Chapter Leaders Orientation June 26-27 in Lake George.

For the first time, each new leader engaged in a workshop called SWOT,  which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Led by Purchase Chapter President John Delate, SWOT involved the leaders in a spirited discussion about the union, evaluating its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The goal: to help the fledgling leaders develop strategic plans for their respective chapters and to assist UUP’s Strategic Planning Advisory Board in developing the union’s statewide strategic plan.   

“If we don’t know who we are, how are our chapters going to know what its values are and what they stand for?” Delate asked. “You’ve got to know who you are before you know what you need. This is an excellent place to start.”

As an example, when it came time to reflect on the values of the union, the new leaders listed solidarity, advocacy, empathy and education as being among its shared values.    

“The union’s values form the bedrock of what UUP is and what your chapters need,” explained Maureen Seidel, a NYSUT labor relations specialist assigned to UUP.

The other workshop focused on a basic need the new leaders must have: the ability to conduct effective meetings. Participants received hands-on instruction on such matters as creating agendas for key meetings, like labor/management and Executive Board sessions. For example, the new leaders were advised to place the most difficult items in the middle of their agenda to allow for late arrivals and sufficient time for discussion.

The new leaders said the time spent was well worth the investment.

“I got a deeper understanding about the organization, its goals and values and how I can reinforce my own leadership role,” said New Paltz Chapter President Richard Kelder. “Any kind of shared vision only works if the members have ownership in the value of the union’s mission.”

“I learned more about developing strategic plans for our campus as well as organizing meetings that create action rather than apathy,” added Fredonia Chapter President Bridget Russell.

— Donald Feldstein