Your Voice, Our Future: Evolving Union Communications

In 2024, our schools are different than when San Diego educators first unionized over a century ago. Our union communications have also changed. The most important communication is always at individual sites or programs, where the collaboration of colleagues and site leaders builds the most immediate and most effective union power. In addition, SDEA leaders use a range of tools to connect members across all sites and programs:

• The Advocate: A newsletter that is published online approximately monthly (Including this article!)
• Union Notes: Emails to all members to communicate important updates and reminders
• Social Media: Currently SDEA is on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)
• SDEA Website: SDEA.net has information for members and leaders, including specific resources to help members understand (and enforce) their contractual rights

How can union communications evolve to meet current needs?

Especially as members prepare to bargain a new contract, it’s vital to evaluate the effectiveness of these tools and to adjust if needed. Your feedback can help shape future communication tools and enhance our collective voice. Take the Fall 2024 SDEA Communications Survey!

Want to be more involved?

Are you interested in being more involved in union communications? Consider joining the SDEA Communications Team. This member-driven group will brainstorm ways to improve outreach, share site stories, and create content highlighting member voices Join us by sharing your information at the end of the Communications Survey above. The idea is to hold regular meetings and involve members and community partners based on their interests and capacity, even if busy educators cannot attend every meeting.

Even though this article is no longer printed on paper next to typewritten messages or classified ads for Commodore 64 computers, this illustration from The Advocate in 1986 still feels relevant.