You Belong Here: Getting Involved is Easier Thank You Think
By Emily Landis, Executive Director
When people hear “union involvement,” it can sound intimidating—like you need to know all the rules, have endless free time, or already be deeply involved before you even raise your hand.
That’s not how it works at SLOCEA.
Most members who get involved start in the same place: they care about their coworkers, they want things to be fair, and they’re curious about how they can help. From there, SLOCEA provides training, support, and community to help members step into roles that fit their interests, availability, and comfort level.
Former SLOCEA Secretary-Treasurer Kathleen Curits-Ames reflected on her many years volunteering with the Association and how that involvement shaped her experience as a County employee.
“Being involved in various committees showed me how important it was to support our union. After serving on several committees as a steward and then taking a role as a director, my confidence grew. '
“Serving as a Director and being part of the executive team was the highlight of my 20 years of employment with the County.”
Kathleen shared that serving as a director, negotiating team member, and committee member gave her a deep sense of pride in the work SLOCEA does and the process members use to advocate for one another, work that continues to benefit employees long after her retirement.
Volunteer Leadership Is the Heart of a Strong Union
Volunteer involvement is a cornerstone of a strong association. While staff handle day-to-day operations and representation, it’s member leaders—stewards and board members—who help keep SLOCEA grounded in the real experiences of the workplace.
Still, many members hesitate before getting involved. We hear the same concerns often, so let’s talk honestly for a minute.
“I don’t know enough.”
That’s okay, you’re not expected to. No one joins as an expert. Learning happens along the way, and training, mentorship, and staff support are built into every role. Questions are welcomed, and curiosity is a strength.
“I don’t have the time.”
Involvement isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some roles are light-touch, some are more structured, and many can flex around work schedules, family responsibilities, and different seasons of life.
“I’m not sure I’d fit in.”
There’s no single type of “union person.” SLOCEA leaders and volunteers come from many departments, classifications, and backgrounds. What they share is a belief that looking out for one another—and having a voice at the table—matters.
Ways to Get Involved (Big and Small)
Worksite Stewards
Stewards are often the first friendly, familiar face coworkers turn to with questions or concerns.
Stewards help by:
Sharing timely information and updates
Connecting members with union support and resources
Bringing workplace issues, trends, and ideas forward
Stewards attend a brief Zoom meeting every other month over the lunch hour to stay informed, ask questions, and build relationships with stewards from other worksites.
For Steward Crystal Cullen, the biggest hesitation was time—until she experienced the role firsthand.
“My only hesitation with volunteering with SLOCEA was if I would have enough time. I did not know exactly what it entailed at first, but the meetings are quick and I have come to really enjoy learning about the inner workings of SLOCEA.”
“Being able to have a ‘behind the scenes’ look really solidified how much stronger we are when working together.”
Crystal also emphasized the support she’s received from staff and how welcoming the experience has been—both for her and for the coworkers she represents in a remote office.
Board of Directors: Helping Shape the Future of SLOCEA
SLOCEA’s Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in guiding the Association’s work and ensuring member voices are reflected in key decisions.
Board members help:
Set the Association’s overall direction and priorities
Review and approve budgets, contracts, and major initiatives
Provide oversight and guidance to staff
Represent members across bargaining units and worksites
The Board meets monthly, alternating between in-person and virtual meetings. Materials are provided in advance, dinner is provided at in-person meetings, staff walk through agenda items, and no one is expected to come in already knowing everything.
Currently, SLOCEA has several open Board seats, including:
Public Services Unit
Trades, Crafts & Services Unit
Superior Court Supervisors Unit
Three At-Large seats (open to any represented unit)
These vacancies represent an opportunity for members to bring fresh perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and help shape the Association’s priorities moving forward.
For Steward and Director Chelsea Hendron, stepping into leadership was driven by concern for coworkers navigating increasing pressures at work and at home.
“I became interested in volunteering because of the current state of the world and the increasing pressures many workers are facing financially, emotionally, and professionally. I saw coworkers who were stressed, struggling, or unsure where to turn when things felt unfair or overwhelming.”
Like many members, Chelsea shared that she hesitated at first—wondering whether she was qualified enough or worried about making mistakes. But once she got involved, those concerns quickly faded.
“What I found instead was a supportive community where learning, listening, and caring about others mattered more than being perfect.”
“Unions aren’t just about policies or contracts—they’re about people looking out for one another.”
Through her involvement as both a steward and a director, Chelsea said she’s grown more confident advocating for others, communicating clearly, and navigating difficult conversations with empathy. More than anything, her experience reinforced the power of solidarity—and how even small actions can make a meaningful difference when people stand together.
Vice President Norma Domingo shared what motivated her to step into leadership—and how that decision evolved over time.
“I was initially interested in volunteering because I felt the County was taking advantage of employees. I felt anger and knew I had to do something.”
“The Union has become something of a foster family to me.”
Norma reflected on how board service helped her realize that everyone brings something valuable to the table, and how being part of the SLOCEA community gave her a sense of belonging and purpose, a place to build friendships and a network of support.
Why Members Choose to Step Up
Members who get involved often say they:
Feel more connected to their coworkers
Better understand how decisions are made
Gain confidence and leadership skills
Appreciate being part of something meaningful
Kevin Sulitz, who has been a Steward since 2013 and has served on the Trades Negotiating team since 2017, described his volunteer service as one of the most rewarding parts of his County career.
“Over the length of my county service, my most exciting career contributions have been through service with SLOCEA… witnessing the slow, incremental and ultimately steady gains in overall terms and conditions of employment – for folks in Parks, in the Trades unit and for SLOCEA-represented employees as a whole.”
“It was always fascinating being involved with the negotiating teams. I grew up some through SLOCEA. It was, as growth often is, overdue and eminently necessary.”
Kevin shared that witnessing steady improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions—and contributing in even a small way—made his service worthwhile, and he hopes others will step forward after he retires.
You Belong Here - Let’s Start a Conversation
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could help someday,” this could be that moment. Reaching out doesn’t commit you to anything, it simply opens the door.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a steward, serving on the Board, or learning more about committee opportunities, your perspective matters, and there’s a place for you at SLOCEA.
Contact SLOCEA staff or visit our website to learn more about steward roles and board vacancies. We’d love to hear from you.
Emily Landis
Executive Director