If you are interested in joining a USU committee, reach out to your Chief Steward.
Affiliation Exploratory Committee
The affiliate exploratory committee will deeply dive into what affiliation with another union would look like, including pros and cons of this potential decision. They are responsible for presenting their findings at the next delegates assembly.
2024 Members: Ellie Barbarash, Sergio Cantu, Raju Chebium, Seth Dietz, James Dorantes, Mark McCullough, Melissa McElroy, Kalina Newman, Jenise Overmier, Cory Ray, Isaiah Speaks
Communications Committee
Our union faces a unique challenge in that our members are scattered all across the United States and are constantly on the move. In order to keep our union strong, we need to make sure that everyone is informed.
Our main methods of communication are through this website, the USU Facebook Group, and email. We need people to help generate content for this website, administer requests to the members-only section, and help with drafting emails and graphics for campaigns. The communications committee also houses the exit interview working group to brainstorm and implement an exit interview process for USU staff.
2024 Members: Ellie Barbarash, Ally Benjamin, Kat Cancio, Anna Dang, Abigail Doupnik, Andrew Dudenbostel, Marta Driscoll, Kyra Exterovich-Rubin, Andrew Fernandez, Aaron Gallant, Elizabet Garcia, Lorenzo Sotto, Nicholas Voutsinos, Gwen Wiegold
Constitution Committee
Every two years delegates to USU’s Delegate Assembly have the opportunity to suggest amendments to the Constitution. The Constitution Committee reviews proposed amendments and reports back to the members on the advisability of proposed changes. Members then vote whether or not to approve or reject the amendments. They also propose amendments as needed.
This Committee is also in charge of interpreting the Constitution and making final decisions on its meaning. The Committee’s interpretation is sent to the general session of the Delegate Assembly, which will then vote on the interpretation.
The Committee consists of 9 members; three members of the Executive Board and two members from each of the professional units (Field, Field Support, and Headquarters). Committee members are elected at the Delegate Assembly.
2023 Members: Laurie Ann Atienza, Fernando Bribriesca, Dwan Cooper, Seth Dietz, James Dorantes, Eric Eisert, Tom Ellett, Gary Storrs
Delegates Assembly Committee
The delegates assembly committee is responsible for providing recommendations to the executive board on locations, events, recruitment strategies, dates, and any delegates assembly matters.
2024 Members: Dwan Cooper, Zillah Covelli, Jennifer Garcia
Good & Welfare Committee
The good and welfare committee is responsible for sending remembrances to members at times of happiness or sorrow.
They are also in charge of screening applicants and awarding USU’s Family Scholarship for relatives of members who are attending college.
2023 Members: Yvennette Calixte, Wendy Marcellin-Burgess, Alan Stokely
Elections Committee
This committee is crucial for ensuring that USU is a democratic and staff-led union. The Elections Committee runs our elections for our union’s leadership positions. The accept nominations, make sure that voting is fair, and publish the election results.
Contact usuelections@gmail.com to get involved.
2024 Members: Eric Eisert, Tom Ellett, Cyndy Flores, Gaelen Molina, Jodi Phillips
Labor-Management Committee (Field/Headquarters)
This committee is made up of management and USU Representatives from the Field and Headquarters units. The purpose of this group is to work out keep an open channel between workers and managers, improve working conditions, monitor the implementation of the contract, and resolve minor problems.
If you have an issue you want discussed at the next Labor Management Committee meeting please speak with your chief steward.
Labor-Management Committee (Field Support)
This committee is made up of management and USU Representatives from the Field Support unit. The purpose of this group is to work out keep an open channel between workers and managers, improve working conditions, monitor the implementation of the contract, and resolve minor problems.
If you have an issue you want discussed at the next Labor Management Committee meeting please speak with your chief steward.
Organizing & Mobilization Committee
This committee is responsible for building internal strength and organizing new members. Per our Constitution they are “charged with developing a strategic plan for member organizing, mobilization and strategic communications.” They spearhead campaigns around working conditions and contract negotiations.
This committee consists of 7 members; one from the Executive Board and two from each of the professional units (Field, Field Support and Headquarters).
Elections for this committee are held at the biennial Delegate Assembly.
2023 Members: Blanca Aguilar, Dylan Belknap-Lerner, Ally Benjamin, Jane Billinger, Courtney Brunelle Kim, Cameron Crowell, Anna Dang, Luis Diaz, Abigail Doupnik, Marta Driscoll, Partick Edmondson, Kyra Exterovich-Rubin, Andrew Fernandez, Catherine Finnerty, Christian Gallegos, Ezra Kane-Salafia, Michael Katrancha, William Keat, Liz Levine, Anna Marfleet, Jenise Overmier, Nate Sears, Alaysha Sisson, Gwen Wiegold, Matt Winter, Nick Voutsinos
Health & Safety Committee – Inactive
Please contact your Chief Steward if you are interested in getting involved.
Equality in Action Committee – Inactive
Please contact your Chief Steward if you are interested in getting involved.
Is there a committee that you think USU needs which you don’t see listed above? Find fellow co-workers who want to get involved and get in touch with your Chief Steward to talk about how to get it started.