Monthly Publication

February 2019

ILCA
LABOR MEDIA
AWARD
WINNER

Auburn District A- 10 Area Reps are shown here in their new SPEEA apparel, purchased from the online store with a gift certificate offered to all Area Reps in recognition of their efforts. From left, front row: Jim Jones and Paul Bowman, middle row: Rick Reid and Chris Kendrick, back row: Janelle Lee and Albert Villanueva. District A- 10 had one of the most Area Rep orders. A- 10 Area Reps not shown (who ordered apparel) are John Depta, Richard Harshfield, Keenan Keller and Kevin Mjor.

Recognizing
Area Reps

You might see more of SPEEA in the workplace. The 2018 Area Rep recog- nition gifts just came in and that means nearly 200 Area Reps (AR) have new SPEEA hats, shirts and jackets.

Last October, during Area Rep recognition month, Council Reps handed SPEEA apparel gift certificates for $35 in store credit to their Area Reps to order from the online store. The orders shipped to the SPEEA offices last month.

When Auburn A- 10 Council Rep Gail Soushek recently delivered the apparel orders to Area Reps in her district, they shared why they stepped up for this role.

About the role

Auburn Area Rep Albert Villanueva likes getting answers to members’ questions about their contract and benefits. “I like helping people understand and bring clarity - knowledge sharing.” Another Auburn Area Rep, Paul Bowman, a former Council Rep, said the role keeps him connected to SPEEA. For example, he reads the SPEEA News and routes it to about 30 people. “It keeps SPEEA visible. It keeps it local,” he said about the role of Area Rep. “It’s nice to have somebody from SPEEA in their corner.”

Area Reps

• Bring members’ questions to their
Council Rep
• Help host lunchtime meetings
• Help distribute SPEEA emails
• Welcome new members
Typically, Area Reps connect with smaller
groups of members within a district that averages
about 200 members per Council Rep. Districts
with more Area Reps have better outreach and
improved dialogue with members on issues.