Member input sought
As CTA marks its 150th anniversary this year, the organization is taking a long look toward the future.
What will our union look like in five years? CCA/CTA is embarking on a strategic planning process to answer that question for current and future members.
“It’s time to look at what we do and how we do it,” said CTA President Dean Vogel. “It’s time to hold on to what’s working and not be afraid to cast away what’s not — even if it means doing things differently than we’ve always done them.”
Sacred cows
Every “sacred cow” will be scrutinized, said Theresa Montaño, the CTA Board member representing higher education. Even after the first meeting of the CTA Strategic Planning Committee on Aug. 18, Montaño said, “People were very honest about the changes and directions our organization should move, because it’s not just CTA, it’s about public education and the role CTA plays in saving public education in California.”
Representing CCA on the committee is Julius Thomas, CCA Board member for ethnic and racial minorities.
“I think anytime an organization carefully assesses itself, its strengths and its shortcomings, it makes for a better operation, and makes members more responsive,” Thomas said. “Many of our issues and concerns, from K-12 to higher education are universal, so it’s been very encouraging to see that and to work together.”
Working with CTA is the Labor Education Research Center at the University of Oregon, which will help facilitate the process. The center is recognized for its expertise in strategic planning and for work with labor unions across the country.
Online surveys
Already, members and staff have been participating in an online survey that has afforded them the opportunity to voice their opinion about what is important to them and how CTA can best serve their needs.
The process is expected to create more effective relationships with community allies, refine CCA/CTA’s public image, set priorities, and focus resources, in line with the theme: “Your Voice. Our Union. Our Future.”
“I ask you to be part of this conversation,” Vogel said. “Building this strategic plan is our opportunity to embrace new ideas, engage new members, and build the CTA we all want, the CTA our members want, for our future.”
For more information on CCA/CTA’s Strategic Planning process, see www.cta.org/strategicplan.