VSEA Committee Goals Summary

VSEA Committee Goals

 

VSEA AWARDS and SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

Requests for changes to the schedule, or additional meetings, must be approved by the President.

 

Committee Goals:

 

Promote the VSEA Awards and Scholarship programs to the VSEA membership.

 

Annually review the criteria for awards and scholarships to work with objective criteria.

 

Recommend ideas for new awards, as appropriate, to the VSEA Board of Trustees.

 

The chair shall ensure that the committee has completed a written record of each meeting and all actions and recommendations, and shall provide a written report of such information to the VSEA President within 15 days of each meeting.

 

Scholarship Program

 

Recommend to the VSEA Board of Trustees, not later than March 1 of each year, a proposal on division of Scholarship monies – i.e. how many awards and what amounts; and then to carry out the direction of the Board.

 

Review scholarship applications and determine VSEA scholarship recipients.

 

Ensure timely notification of scholarship winners, announcement to the membership, and thank all applicants for their interest in the program.

 

If the Board of Trustees seeks to establish additional or alternate funding mechanism for the scholarship program, participate in such fund-raising activities as requested by the Board.

 

Awards Program

 

Ensure timely advertising and distribution of the VSEA Awards and nomination forms.

 

Review nominations and make selection of recipients for the following:

 

Frank A. Mazza Award, Terence D. Macaig Award, Steward of the Year Award, Chapter of the Year Award, and Linda Coan Memorial Award.  The VSEA Field Staff will be encouraged to nominate members for the Steward and Chapter awards, and the VSEA Staff will be encouraged to nominate co-workers for the Linda Coan memorial award.

 

VSEA BENEFITS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule of the joint labor-management agreement.

 

Committee Goals:

 

  1. Monitor the costs and administration of the State employees’ health, dental and life insurance plans.

     

  1. Bring forward complaints and problems relating to the plans.

     

  1. Evaluate the design, costs and effectiveness of the plans for the membership.

     

  1. Critically review any proposal(s) for changes (including enhancements) to the plan(s) and participate with the VSEA bargaining teams and staff in determining approval or rejection of changes.

     

  1. Report to the VSEA Director and Bargaining Teams any concerns relating to the plans.

     

VSEA BUDGET COMMITTEE

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.   Requests for changes to the schedule, or additional meetings, must be approved by the President.

 

 

Committee Goals:

 

 

  1. Develop and recommend to the Board of Trustees, not later than April 10 of each year, a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

     

 

  1. As requested by the VSEA Treasurer, assist in the presentation of the proposed budget to the VSEA Council at its June meeting and the VSEA annual membership meeting.

     

 

  1. Assist the Treasurer and budget process by evaluating:  (1) budget-related ideas and requests from members, budget (2) proposed expenditures for the current and upcoming fiscal years; (3) budget pressures and trends.  Make constructive recommendations regarding fiscal issues.

     

 

  1. Develop a 5-year projection on VSEA finances to help aid the long-range decision making of the VSEA Board of Trustees

     

VSEA BUILDING COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

Requests for changes to the schedule, or additional meetings, must be approved by the President.

 

Committee Goals:

 

  1. Review current and planned maintenance and construction needs and projects, and make recommendations to the VSEA Board of Trustees. 

     

  1. Assist with review of proposals, designs, and contractors for construction projects.

     

  1. Review budget allocations to building issues and make recommendations to the VSEA Treasurer and Director for needed monies in current and future fiscal years.

     

VSEA BYLAWS COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

Requests for changes to the schedule, or additional meetings, must be approved by the President.

 

  1. Committee Goals:

     

  1. Annually review VSEA Articles and Bylaws for updating and changes necessary to ensure efficient and proper operations of VSEA, including organizational obligations under law.

     

  1. Annually review and ensure that chapter and unit articles and bylaws do not conflict with the VSEA Articles and Bylaws, and that all Chapters and Units have operational Articles and Bylaws approved by the Board of Trustees.  Make written recommendations to the chapter and units for changes that would ensure efficient and proper operations.

     

  1. In reviewing articles and bylaws, the committee shall solicit input from the Board of Trustees, committees, unit officers, bargaining teams, staff and membership.

     

  1. Prepare written report of proposals and recommended changes and explanation to the Board of Trustees at its meeting in April or May of each year, (i.e. prior to the June Council Meeting).

     

  1. Report to the VSEA members at annual meeting, the recommended changes to articles and bylaws.

     

  1. Ensure updating and posting of articles and bylaws within 30 days of the close of annual meeting or of any properly-called meeting for the purpose of amending articles or bylaws.

     

VSEA CHAPTER PRESIDENTS’ COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

Committee Goals:

 

Chapter Program Planning:

 

(1) To work as a committee to develop interesting agenda items and speakers for chapter meetings that will help inform and unite the membership.

 

(2) To plan and execute social events that will allow members to develop solidarity and union visibility.

 

(3) To plan and execute community and charitable events to assist members and Vermonters and foster positive public relations with public workers and the citizens at large.

 

(4) To respond to requests from HQ and committees to sponsor meetings of members to discuss current issues that may need timely/immediate response, reaction and/or assistance from the members.

 

Increasing Union Visibility and Assisting VSEA Committees:

 

As requested by other committees, Board and/or staff, assist committees with project work, including:

 

s   Membership Recruitment Committee - welcoming new members, recruiting new hires; assisting with Advantage Days.

 

s   Legislative Committee – assist committee with letters, phone calls, legislative breakfasts, visits, statehouse days, etc., to actively support VSEA’s legislative agenda.

 

s   VTPAC –candidate meet and greets, get out the vote, political endorsement interviews, and

 

s   ERN – reminding members of VSEA elected officer vacancies and urging membership involvement

 

s   Communications – assisting with the VSEA Bulletin Boards, completing chapter news on the website, submitting articles for the Update and Voice

 

VSEA COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

1. To assist in the development of a broad based communications plan of the goal, mission and work of the VSEA.

 

2. To assist with ideas relating to communications that will foster recruitment and retention of VSEA members.

 

3. To help develop and ensure posting of materials in the worksites, including bulletin boards.

 

4. Upon request of any committee or unit, to assist with communications about issues, programs, work, member involvement, etc.

 

5. To ensure that the VSEA website will be used as a means to convey important and timely information. The committee will assist in the development and utilization of the interactive aspect of the website for use by activists, in accordance with approval by the Board.

 

6.      To assist with the promotion of a positive image of VSEA in the public through work with the VSEA Communications Division and other avenues.

 

VSEA DIVERSITY COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

  1. Assist VSEA members with understanding the benefits of, and promoting the goal of, a diverse workforce.

     

  1. Ensure VSEA is advocating and promoting management policies/procedures that promote diversity.

     

  1. Ensure that VSEA is offering sexual harassment and diversity training to its activists and members.

     

  1. Inform VSEA Board of, and encourage the union to sponsor and participate in diversity programs and events, including the statewide committee.

     

VSEA MEMBER DUES STRUCTURE 

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

Fulfill the March 2006 VSEA Council Motion: 

 

s   Study and offer information and recommendations as appropriate of the VSEA dues structure.

 

s   Determine whether a more equitable structure can be recommended for the consideration of the general membership at a VSEA Annual Meeting.

 

s   Investigate the dues structures for comparable public service unions and evaluate the effects of a possible equitable dues structure (i.e.  dues as a proportion of salary).

 

VSEA MEMBER INSURANCE PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

1. Undertake a comprehensive review of all VSEA member insurance program offerings and report to the Board on the effectiveness and status of all.

 

2. Review any and all new “offerings” by any vendor, and make recommendations to the VSEA Board and membership.

 

3. Undertake the work of creating new program offerings for members based upon input from the Board, Council, chapter presidents, Unit chairs and staff.

 

VSEA COMPUTER COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

1. Assess and give functional recommendations on technology and equipment relating to:

 

(1) VSEA’s computer system(s).

 

(2) Web-based technologies and uses.

 

(3) Improving member communications and VSEA work processes through technology.

 

2. Work with the VSEA computer consultant(s) to evaluate needs and purchases, and give recommendations to the VSEA Budget Committee for current and future expenditure needs.

 

3. Serve as VSEA experts at the legislature when changes in government relating to technology, use of private contracts/downsizing in IT, and proposals such as “SEI” are being discussed.  This will involve research, writing and testimony.

 

VSEA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

Requests for changes to the schedule, or additional meetings, must be approved by the President.

 

Committee Goals: 

 

The committee shall meet not more than 6 times each year, of which 4 of the meetings shall be between the months of September through May.  Members must have interest in legislation and politics, and be willing to assist with the following tasks:

 

  1. Assist with soliciting membership input into the legislative agenda.

     

  1. Contact members and retirees to solicit their assistance in promoting VSEA’s legislative agenda.

     

  1. Contact legislators to promote VSEA’s agenda through methods such as: phone calls and phone banking, letter writing, letters to the editor, attending public hearings, attending committee hearings, testifying, organizing rallies, sponsoring and organizing membership meetings with legislators at chapters and legislative breakfast meetings, etc.

     

  1. Assist in identifying articulate member witnesses and compilation of relevant materials, for presentation to legislative committees, as requested by VSEA lobbying staff.  Assist with research on legislative issues, as assigned by VSEA lobbying staff.

     

  1. Work with VSEA Organizer/Trainer to identify member-training needs relating to understanding the legislative process and lobbying. 

     

  1. Work with VT-PAC, Board and staff on preparing recommended endorsements for legislative and statewide offices. 

     

  1. Committee members should coordinate with chapter presidents and field staff to attend one chapter meeting during the legislative session to promote membership participation in legislative issues and agenda.

     

VSEA MEMBER SUPPORT COMMITTEE

 

The Committee will meet as needed, prior to scheduled VSEA Board of Trustee meetings  - to review any pending applications.  Committee meetings will normally take place via conference call to limit costs associated with the work of the committee.

 

All information received or collected by the committee relating to a member’s personal situation is confidential, and any breach of this confidentiality will result in a referral of the person divulging information to the VSEA Judicial Board. 

 

Member Support Committee Goals:

 

The Committee will:

 

  1. Distribute, collect and review in confidence all member support applications.

     

  1. Make recommendations to the VSEA Board for financial grant awards to members in documented need, based upon the criteria approved by the VSEA Board and Council.

     

  1. Develop a list of possible additional resources for members who may be applying to the committee based upon the criteria.

     

  1. Annually review the policy, and solicit membership and staff input into the review, and make recommendations to the VSEA Board and Council for any revisions to the member support policy.

     

  1. Annually review the written rules for committee to use as qualification guidelines and eligible items for reimbursement, and present these to the Board of Trustees for approval.

     

VSEA MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

Requests for changes to the schedule, or additional meetings, must be approved by the President.

 

Agency Fee Payers and Non-Members:

 

1. Work with the VSEA Organizer/Trainer to compile lists of agency fee payers and non-members by:  (1) departments (2) chapters and (3) unit.  Utilizing those lists, the MRC will divide up the lists into manageable “contact” size, and then will assign one activist in the same departments, chapters and units as the potential recruit, the task of making personal contact (phone or in-person) with the agency fee payer or non-member.  The MRC will provide each “activist recruiter” with a script and materials.

 

2. The committee will set up a system to ensure that the contact(s) were made by the assigned recruiter, who will report back to the MRC at set intervals. 

 

New Hires:

 

1. The committee will work with the VSEA Organizer/Trainer to compile a bi-monthly list of new hires by:  (1) departments (2) chapters and (3) unit.  The MRC will assign one VSEA activist to make an in-person contact(s) with the new hire for the purpose of greeting, sharing VSEA information and recruiting the new hire.  The MRC will provide each “activist recruiter” with a script and materials.

 

The committee will set up a system to ensure that the contact(s) were made by the assigned recruiter.  The follow up reporter will report back to the MRC at set intervals. 

 

New Members:

 

1. The committee will take the bi-monthly list of new members and assign one activist from the new members’ chapter (utilizing the chapter activist list), to make a personal contact (phone or in-person) to welcome that person to VSEA. 

 

As finances permit, activist will be provided a new member ‘gift’, such as a VSEA mug, t-shirt, or other, to express the union’s appreciation for their new membership.  All persons who serve as recruiters or follow up reporters will be eligible for membership recruitment prize drawings each council meeting.  The MRC Chair will ensure that all these names are entered into the drawing before each council meeting.

 

Union Visibility: 

 

The committee will assist in the review, design and ordering of membership recruitment materials. The MRC shall schedule and ensure activists will staff  regional VSEA Advantage Day events.  The MRC may also submit proposals for VSEA to participate in other events such as charity events such as blood-drives, food banks, etc.

 

VSEA ELECTIONS, RULES AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President for the purpose of reviewing the ERN rules and making recommendations for change. The committee shall meet as necessary to carry out its duties as elections committee.

 

To ensure notice and time deadlines to the membership for VSEA elected and appointed positions.

 

To maintain a procedure for obtaining petitions.

 

To maintain a procedure for verification of petitions submitted.

 

To recommend qualified VSEA member-candidates for elected office in the event petitions are not filed.

 

To oversee VSEA elections and ballot counts.

 

To recommend and maintain, upon approval of the Board of Trustees, policy and procedures governing rules of elections for VSEA.

 

To determine, upon request of the President and investigation, the appropriateness of any election irregularity not covered by the jurisdiction of the Judicial Board, and report such findings to the President or designee.

 

VSEA PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President, and as needed to respond to pending issues relating to VSEA staff.

 

1. The committee chair will assign members participate in interviews of prospective candidates for hire.

 

2. The committee will participate in collective bargaining negotiations, labor-management and merit committee meetings with Staff Alliance.

 

3. The committee will participate as requested by the VSEA President and/or Director, or as assigned under the Article and Bylaws or policies, in issues relating to the VSEA staff.

 

4. The committee will adhere to strict confidentiality in personnel matters.

 

VSEA POLICY COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

1. Undertake a comprehensive review of all VSEA policies and bring forward any and all recommended changes, including any “clean up” recommendations.

 

2. Ensure that VSEA policies conform with VSEA Articles and Bylaws and law.

 

3. Ensure that VSEA policies conform with VSEA Unit bargaining agreements.

 

4. Be prepared to present and discuss all recommendations with the VSEA Board and Council.

 

VSEA RETIREMENT STUDY COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

Requests for changes to the schedule, or additional meetings, must be approved by the President.

 

Committee Goals:

 

To study and evaluate the State Employees’ Retirement plans, and any issue relating to the retirement plans and policies, with the goal of developing recommendations for continued improvements to the plan.

 

To assist VSEA members elected to the State Employees’ Retirement Board with issues as they request.

 

To actively support VSEA’s legislative agenda relating to retirement issues.

 

VSEA SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE

 

The committee will meet in accordance with the schedule established by the President.

 

Committee Goals:

 

VSEA Annual Meeting

 

Research and recommend to the VSEA Board of Trustees a meeting site for VSEA’s Annual Meeting.  Research and recommend to the VSEA Board the activities for social events for Friday and Saturday evening.   Chose menus within budget provided.  Negotiate with the conference facility for room and meal rates.

 

Serve as VSEA liaisons and conference site problem-solvers during annual meeting weekend.  Serve as hosts for VSEA guests to annual meeting.

 

VSEA Legislative Reception

 

The committee is responsible to ensure member turnout at the event.

 

Coordinate the preparation and delivery of food, either catered or member donated or both.

 

If catered, select food and beverages within budget allocated.

 

If members are being asked to bring food, coordinate the food.

 

Ensure room set up and break down and a clean up crew

 

Arrange for flowers and other decorations

 

Assist, as needed, with hosting assignments.

 

Assist, as needed, with server assignments.

 

 

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