You Should Run for Office. Yes, You.
You should run for office. Yes, you. Why? ACE’s two biggest strengths are our members and our independence. With this opportunity you, our greatest strength, can make a meaningful impact on the lives of your fellow workers about issues which directly affect the work they, and you, do for Foothill-De Anza (FHDA). How?
- Amplify Workers’ Voices
ACE exists to represent the interests of its members, Collectively, we are stronger together. By running for office, you can ensure the voice of your colleagues are heard in negotiations and decision-making processes. Your leadership can help address grievances and champion essential issues like wages, safety, and working conditions. Here is a small sampling of the good work ACE has done to amplify our voices. https://acefhda.org/about-us/ace-and-you/ace-wins/
- Drive Change
FHDA is entering a new era that require fresh perspectives. If you have innovative ideas or solutions to improve working conditions or strengthen solidarity among members, running for office gives you the platform to implement those changes.
- Develop Leadership Skills
Serving in ACE leadership helps you grow personally and professionally. You’ll enhance your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Create Opportunity for Others
Leadership isn’t just about personal ambition; it’s about lifting others. By running for office, you can mentor and inspire other members to become active participants in ACE, building future leaders and ensuring ACE remains strong and vibrant.
- Contribute to the Labor Movement
As I said, our strength is our members and our independence, but the work we do also impacts other bargaining units at FHDA and the larger labor movement. You’ll be part of a collective effort to improve workers’ rights and advocate for social justice. Our classification and compensation studies lifted the wages of our colleagues in the Confidential unit and spurred our fellow workers in Administrative Management and Teamsters units to do the same.
Worried it will affect your chances for growth? Have a chat with recent Foothill Chief Steward, Anthony Caceres who is now Foothill’s new Senior Enrollment Services Supervisor for Admissions & Records. Or former De Anza Board Member, Angelica Esquivel Moreno, who is the new full-time De Anza Instructor for Chicanx and Latinx Studies.
Don’t think you’re qualified? Training is provided and support is always available. The only thing the job requires is subordination of personal interests to those that represent the highest good of the members. Board members and negotiators shall have no greater rights than any other member of ACE.
Running for ACE office is a chance to lead, innovate, and drive positive change. Whether you’re motivated by a desire to amplify voices, address critical issues, or build community, your participation can have a lasting impact. In my 40-plus-year career holding very disparate jobs, the first thing I tell people when asked what I do/did for a living is my ten years serving on behalf of the members as part of ACE and remains, one of my most fulfilling career achievements. I can’t wait to see what the next generation does.
So, what office are you running for?
Of service,
@Chris White, outgoing chair of negotiations