PAnorama: January 2008

• PA January Luncheon Celebrates Achievements by Alison Doughtie
• Grievance Committee "Goes Deep " by Dawson McDermott
• Internal Communications: The Value of a Community College by Dmitry Shtarnov, 2007 - 2008 PA Scholarship Winner
• CNY Labor Agency and NYSUT Host Union / Community Counselor Training by Sandy Cummings
• PA Participates in 2007 Community College Conference by Alison Doughtie

Dmitry Shtarnov, Sandy Cummings, Sue Bice, Bill McGowan, Ron Rhodes, Rick Stempien, Jean Wagoner…

These are some of the individuals recognized at this year’s January luncheon.  As usual, the January luncheon provided the opportunity to congratulate retirees and the PA Scholarship winner (please see pp. 4-5 for pictures), but it also gave us the chance to celebrate the achievements of the whole, of our Professional Association.

To that end, President Searles presented us with a synopsis of this year’s PA activities.  Here is what she reported:

The Association can look back on 2007 and see much to be proud of.  Together, we’ve done a great deal.

We’ve been recognized and honored.

• Twice this year, union colleagues invited the PA to statewide and national conferences to share our successful experiences.
• For the second time, the PA received the NYSUT Local Community Service Award.
• Our newsletter and website won prizes, as they’ve done every year.
• The PA continued to be an award-winning VOTE-COPE local, the only upstate community college to do so.
• And the Association got more “ink” in union publications:  New York Teacher, AFT OnCampus,  and  NYSUT Insider.

We’ve participated.

• PA members attended local, statewide, and national conferences this year:  AFT Higher Ed Issues Conference, NYSUT Higher Education Council, the Cornell Leadership Institute, the Regional Leadership conference, the Community College conference, and conferences on Health and Safety, Union Finances, and Member Benefits.
• The PA continued to be a part of the NYSUT Local Presidents’ Council and the Central New York Labor Council.

We’ve taken care of each other.

• Because of skillful negotiations and diligent grievance work, the contract continued to protect our rights.
• As always, careful research supported the efforts of these important PA committees.
• This year, the PA Benefits Fund trustees updated the Q & A booklet, assisted with claims, refined its database and notification systems, and managed our vision care and insurance coverage.  What’s more, they’ve been researching new benefits to add to the Fund in 2008.
• As in the past, our retirees have been thanked for their faithful membership.
• On more than one occasion this year, colleagues in need were given as much sick time as they could have.
• Members who were ill or grieving were supported in writing and in person.
• Promotions and achievements were recognized the same way.

We’ve reached out.

• Politically, the Association continued to be active.
• Locally, we conducted our fourth very successful endorsements process.  As a result, we expressed support for 11 Oneida County candidates, 10 of whom won election.   At numerous meetings and fundraisers, we were listening, learning, and advocating for our issues.
• At the state level, we lobbied with our NYSUT higher ed and K-12 colleagues.
• Contributions to VOTE COPE, in support of our political outreach efforts, kept growing.
• Community Outreach remained a priority this year.
• Hundreds of students in our campus community received pens in the Student Service Center and key-ring keepsakes at graduation.
• One special student was honored with a scholarship.
• Worthy causes were supported by participation and donations:  the Ted Moore Run/Walk, Strides against Breast Cancer, United Way, Thea Bowman House, and others.
• Hungry members of our community received two truckloads of food.

We’ve enjoyed each other’s company.

• Each semester ended with a relaxing, enjoyable social.
• New members were welcomed with food, information, and good conversation.
• Playing PA “Jeopardy,” we had fun learning about our union at Summer Institute.
• Members found out that even studying defensive driving can be more enjoyable when the PA sponsors the class.

We’ve kept current.

• Prize-winning communications—even a newly-designed PAnorama masthead—kept us entertained and informed.
• Accurate, clear minutes were sent out after every meeting.
• Photo directories and PA calendars were published both in print and online.
• Colorful, stylish bulletin boards were freshened every month.
• Elections brought new members into every PA committee.
• Our budget was always balanced and our bills paid.
• Numerous Board of Elections’ reports were done, each one detailed and timely.
• Audit materials were prepared so that the committee could begin its work.

Finally, we’ve thought about the future of our organization.

• Another generation of PA leaders has begun learning more about the workings of the Association. Workshops, training, and simulations are planned for the year ahead so that interested members can find out about some of the more technical aspects of union work, especially in negotiations and grievance.

Yes, it’s been another good year for the Professional Association.

And we have many members to thank for it.  Naming every individual would not be possible, but I hope each one knows how grateful we are for these efforts—not only today, but all through the year.

Most especially, I’d like to acknowledge the constant help and support of the PA reps, PA committee members, and the members of the PA Executive Board.

Mohawk Valley Community College has been a life saver for me.  As someone new to this country, trying to raise a family while attending college, I have gained substantial advantages from MVCC.

I knew virtually no English before arriving in the United States in July, 2004.  I was fortunate in receiving excellent help in learning it so that I could matriculate in 2006, but after just two years of social English, it was a challenge having to deal with English at the academic level.  My experience has been consistent in finding that the faculty is oriented to and experienced in making modifications so as to move me forward, rather than holding me back.  My initial testing allowed me to skip the first three ESL levels, saving me time and money.  In my first semester, I was already involved in working on courses toward my major.

As a “local” institution, Mohawk Valley Community College provides convenient access for people living in the Utica/Rome area.  If I had to travel longer distances, that fact alone could have prevented me from enjoying the benefits of MVCC.  As a family man, sometimes I have to go back and forth to the College more than once during the course of the day.  A nearby college facilitates my participation in not only the academic work but also in valuable sports and social activities.

Looking to the future, as I have one semester left to complete, it is satisfying knowing that my MVCC credits can be readily transferred to Utica College, to SUNY IT, to Syracuse University, as well as other four-year institutions.

As a newcomer to the States, the counseling services have been invaluable.  Knowing where to go and what to do to get started took a big load off my mind.  Receiving practical advice on what courses to take and how to schedule them saved me a great deal of time.  When I wasn’t sure of my major, I found there was flexibility that allowed me to experiment with a major in another area.

Spending several hours a day in a stimulating environment is an exciting thing.  Cultural events such as movies, theater, and music enrich my life and give me new things to take home to my family.  Meeting people who are interested in ideas and desirous of improving their lives is a major advantage of college-level experiences.

The community college is designed to meet a variety of needs for students who are looking to initiate their college experience and to be stimulated toward going even further academically.  Whether a person is looking for practical training (nursing, construction, etc.) or a start toward a four-year degree, the community college can be of great service.  A Russian friend completed the two-year program in heating and air conditioning.  He found a fine opportunity in Syracuse, receiving a company car to facilitate his traveling back and forth to Utica, and earns $25 an hour with overtime also available.  This is a success story from a very happy MVCC graduate.

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The Central New York Labor Agency and NYSUT recently gave me the opportunity to
participate in their annual Union/Community Counselor Training.

From September 18th through November 13th, I attended weekly sessions/lectures on a large range of topics such as:

• Child Care, WIC
• Consumer Credit Counseling
• Substance Abuse & Rehabilitation
• Aid for Senior Citizens
• Health Care
• Home Energy Assistance, Food Stamps, Public Assistance
• Local Counseling Services
• Red Cross, Heart Association, Cancer Society, United Way, Hospice
• Social Security, Social Services, VESID, Medicaid
• Youth & Teen Services
• Techniques for Constructive Intervention

Sometimes when there is a problem in a person’s life they don’t know where to turn for help, which can escalate the situation into a crisis.  With the training that I received I can possibly prevent a difficult situation from occurring by offering information and referral to agencies/counselors in our local community.

If you, someone you know, or a student needs any type of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail at scummings@mvcc.edu, by telephone at 792-5392 or stop by my office in ACC 208.  All information will be kept strictly confidential.

“Sharing our strengths, strengthening our locals” was this year’s theme for the annual Community College Conference, held at The Otesaga in Cooperson November 9-11.

We were indeed strengthened.  Of course, the delicious and plentiful meals gave us sustenance, but we also gained useful information and the inspiration that comes from collegial collaboration.  With presentations on topics such as managing union finances,  distance education, building union awareness and social values, compliance issues,  Taylor Law, and the ever-popular contract exchange, PA attendees Mallory Anyango, Marie Czarnecki, Alison Doughtie, Steve Getchell, Anne Ichihana, Lew Kahler, Lorie Phillips, Rich Pucine, and Ellis Gage Searles collected tips, strategies, and data that will certainly strengthen the PA’s future activities on and off campus.

We also shared our knowledge and experiences with others.  Aside from more casual exchanges at meals, breaks, and evening adventures, the PA was able to present its experiences to other locals.  As a “veteran leader,” Ellis Gage Searles was invited to serve as a panelist for “Union Building: Building Strong Locals on Every Campus,”  and Alison Doughtie was asked to be a panelist for “Collective Bargaining: Using Community Ties in Contract Campaigns.”

The conference lived up to its promise—the opportunity to learn from and about each other.