Dear Colleagues,
Last weekend, I and a few other members of our union attended a summit of Oregon higher education unions (including our fellow OSU unions, CGE and SEIU 503!). The summit provided us space to strengthen our connections with fellow workers at Oregon universities and colleges and focused on how we can work together to protect higher education in Oregon, while also building a more sustainable future. Even without the federal threats to funding and academic freedom, the future of higher education in our state is precarious due to Oregon’s unique taxation system. It doesn’t need to be that way, however. Change is possible if we plan, work together, and build our coalitions. This includes showing up on Saturday, October 18 for the No Kings National Day of action organized by the AAUP, AFT, sister labor unions, and millions of others, to defend our universities, our communities, and our democracy.
In Corvallis, folks are gathering at the Benton County Courthouse at 12pm (see here for more info). For our members outside of Corvallis, check out the AFT Action site to find a local action near you. We encourage you to wear your UAOSU t-shirt to the events.
Below, we have more information about several upcoming events we hope to see you at and other opportunities.
Odd Fridays
Pregame the No Kings Day rally with our first fall term Odd Friday get together at Common Fields. Odd Friday is a casual, drop in gathering for OSU faculty (and your family!) to make connections across the campus. We’ll be meeting on Friday, October 17, from 4-6 pm as well during weeks 5 and 7 of this term.
Labor Education Caucus Reading Group – Wed Oct 22 at 5:30pm
The Labor Education Caucus Reading Group is getting together to read an excerpt from AFT President Randi Weingarten’s new book, “Why Fascists Fear Teachers”. We will be meeting on Wednesday, October 22 at 5:30pm at the UAOSU office, located at 760 SW Madison Ave, Suite 200 in downtown Corvallis. Please register here so that we can send you the reading, and so that we can know how many would like to join us for snacks and drinks.
Fall General Membership Meeting – Wed Nov 5, 5:30-7pm
Our Fall General Membership Meeting (GMM) will be held on Wednesday, November 5th from 5:30-7pm at the Memorial Union in the Journey Room. At this GMM we will be joined by AAUP-Oregon President Mike Urbancic to hear about statewide efforts to defend higher education and protect against cuts and layoffs.
Our GMMs are held in a hybrid format, so even if you can’t attend in person, you can still participate via Zoom. For in person attendees there will be food, drinks, and opportunities to reconnect with your colleagues at 5:30pm and our full discussion, including our Zoom attendees, will start at 6pm. Please RSVP at uaosu.org/fallgmm.
Crafting with Caucuses – Sat Nov 8, 10am-3pm
All members are invited to join the UAOSU caucuses for a Crafting with Caucuses day on Saturday, November 8 from 10am-3pm! This free, family-friendly event will be located at the UAOSU office (760 SW Madison, Corvallis, Oregon 97333). Bring your own projects you’ve been putting aside, bring a craft to teach others, or use provided basic supplies! Snacks and drinks provided, but please RSVP here by Saturday, November 1. Questions? Contact Kei Lin Chang (Queer Caucus Representative) at uaosu.queer@gmail.com
OSU FriendRaisers Child Care Assistance Fund
Last, we want to make sure you’re all aware of the opportunity for OSU employees to apply for financial support for child care costs from the FriendRaiser Child Care Assistance fund. You can access the application and learn more about eligibility criteria, application requirements, and submission details at: https://familyresources.oregonstate.edu/employee-financial-resources There is still time to apply but act quickly as the deadline is 5pm on Friday, October 24th by 5pm. If you encounter difficulties completing the application by this deadline, or have other questions about this resource, please reach out to cari.maes@oregonstate.edu.
In solidarity,
Diana Castillo, UAOSU Secretary