Building Association Representative Training 2016-2017 Thanks for your commitment to your colleagues and FWEA!

You are now AN ASSOCIATION Rep (AR) – what does that mean? Learning Targets: I know what to expect at the monthly AR meeting. I know how to represent a member in a disciplinary hearing, and am committed to maintaining the confidentiality of members who have placed their trust in me. I know where to look for answers to my colleagues questions, and encourage collaboration in finding their answers. I am committed to fostering communication between members, administration and FWEA leadership. Success Criteria: I will know I am successful if I leave today’s meeting feeling ready to carry out my duties as an AR, committed to maintaining the confidentiality of members who have placed their trust in me, and ready to communicate and collaborate for a strong and united FWEA.

Attend The Monthly Meeting The Nuts and Bolts At every monthly meeting you can expect: Dinner will be provided. You will sit with members of your building but also with other schools. The meeting will start on time at 4:30 PM. Review and approval of minutes and agenda. Review of operating budget with opportunity for questions. Addressing of the agenda items (issues brought by members/board, guest speakers, etc…) Participation in table discussion groups with your fellow Association Reps. A 10-minute meeting guide will be provided for you to conduct with your staff before the next meeting. The meeting will end on time at 6:30 PM. Beyond the monthly meeting, you will also be asked to help your fellow members and model three attributes: Confidentiality Collaboration Communication

Confidentiality Formal and Informal interactions Formal Representation The presence of representation in disciplinary meetings is guaranteed by Weingarten Rights. If you are asked by a member (member choice!) to sit in on a meeting that is disciplinary in nature, keep in mind the following: You are acting as “eyes and ears” for a member that might understandably be pre-occupied with other thoughts. Take detailed notes as best as you can. You need not engage in conversation during the meeting, or provide expertise about the contract. You will likely need to remind the meetings participants of this fact. After the meeting, review your notes with the member privately, and retain a copy for future reference. Call Tia Hendrix at the FWEA office (253-838-8571) for clarification. Informal Representation Members like to tell their stories, and are often looking for a sympathetic ear or have questions. Your goal should be to listen, ask for clarification, and collaborate with the member to find resolution. In all situations, both formal and informal, maintaining confidentiality is your first priority as a representative! If you need to consult another building rep to “weigh in,” ask the member if that is okay first.

Collaboration People are looking to you for answers now… When there are questions, concerns, or frustrations, members will often come to you first. The answers usually lie in our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Invite the member to join you and look at the contract language together. All three negotiated agreements for our certificated staff, ESPs, and coaches can be found on the FWEA website: www.federalwayea.org Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves, and dive into the contract language with the member. Did you find the answer? Great! Discuss with the member the next steps you think should be taken together. If you feel that there is a violation of our CBA, the goal is to resolve the issue at the building level. Oftentimes, a conversation with an administrator is enough. The member may want YOU to bring this to the building administrator – remember confidentiality! If the issue is not resolved, call Tia to begin formal grievance procedures. We will have training about grievances at a future meeting. Didn’t find the answer? That’s okay, maybe it isn’t in our contract, but do your best to help the member anyway. This might also involve additional communication with your building administrator, or working with your Executive Board contact.

Communication An informed membership is a united membership! Facilitate Communication from FWEA to all members Maintain an accurate list of private, non-district email addresses for your building. Run elections in the building (Spring – training to come). Encourage Facebook membership and remind members of social media norms (this is your first 10-minute meeting). Know your Building Get out and greet new staff members, offer them help any way you can. Talk to your staff, and maintain a clear understanding of “general feel” and where they are. Keep your self-interests in check, and the interests of the entire staff in mind. Meet Monthly with the Principal This is a great way to keep on top of things, remain proactive, and avoid problems. Plan this meeting a few days after every AR meeting for best results. Conduct your building 10-minute Meeting Training provided at every AR meeting. Provides critical feedback to bring back to the next AR meeting.