On Sat., Oct. 19, the PROTEC17 Regional Executive Committee (REC) — our union’s policy-making body — convened in-person at the Northwest African American Museum to conduct the business of our union. As part of the twice-yearly event, the fall REC meeting highlights our union’s accomplishments and victories for the year, and celebrates member-leaders with our annual leadership awards.
The meeting opened with a welcome and tribal land acknowledgement by PROTEC17 President Rachael Brooks. Delegates also heard a year-end budget review from Executive Board Secretary-Treasurer Mason Emrys.
The theme of this fall’s meeting was ‘Healing & Hope’ – representing the work we’ve been doing as a union to become an anti-racist organization. Delegates heard a ‘state-of-the-union’ update from Executive Director Karen Estevenin that emphasized our many successes in 2024, including hosting our first ever ‘Solidarity Summit’ for leaders; member actions that moved the dial at the State, Snohomish County, Spokane Health and more; organizing over 200 new workers into our union, including campaigns at a new employer – Sound Transit; and launching our popular ‘Proud to Be PROTEC17’ video, among many other accomplishments.
“We are continuing to build power in our union and people are taking notice,” said Executive Director Estevenin. “Because of you, our fearless leaders, I know that we will reach great heights. I am inspired by your passion and dedication everyday.”
After a short break, delegates participated in an interactive training on leadership and building pride in union membership. Leaders broke into small groups to discuss how to keep members engaged and inspired, and what they want to accomplish in the year ahead. As part of the exercise, delegates also had their pictures taken in our photo booth and submitted quotes to continue to build upon our ‘Proud to Be PROTEC17’ campaign.
The fall REC meeting also includes the presentation of awards that recognize members for their important contributions to building worker power. This year’s winners include: Mindy Mezek and Tristan Cody (Organizer Extraordinaire, Sound Transit), Kelsey Hopkins (For the People – Advocacy, King County), John Persak (Doesn’t Need Coffee – Activist, City of Seattle), Geoff Smith (Union Through and Through, Port of Seattle), Sayward Glise (Rising Star – New Leader, King County), and Drew Nazarian (Building for Power, Snohomish County).
Congrats to all of our winners, and thank you to all of the REC delegates for all you do for our union! The next REC meeting will be held virtually on Sat., March 1, 2025. Delegates should expect to receive more information about a month before the meeting.