October 25, 2023 — The PEF Leadership Institute and the Emerging Leaders Social Committee held a workshop during PEF Convention to introduce members to their work. The Institute is a PEF initiative that operates with support from AFT and seeks to build leadership within the union. The Institute’s mission is to build upon the skills of current and new PEF leaders, while also bridging the gap between generations and building a team of leaders across many different demographics. In July 2023, the Institute trained its first set of leaders. Another class will be trained by the Institute in 2024, following a selection process, which includes an essay.
“It is important for PEF to nurture a multigenerational team of leaders at every level of the union,” said Falto.
Graduates may become members of the Emerging Leaders Social Committee, which works to further the training, education and support offered to graduates and other PEF leaders. PEF is looking to expand the committee and interested members are encouraged to reach out to chair Vivian Falto at Vivian.Falto@pef.org.
The committee is modeled after PEF Labor-Management and Health and Safety committees, which start with a Statewide presence focused on broad union issues and goals. From there, regional and local committees can be created as needed.
“The regional committees would be supported by PEF regional coordinators,” Falto said. “It would be focused on whatever leadership issues or needs arise in that region and the Statewide Committee will collaborate with them providing further assistance.” In addition, the Statewide Committee will provide leadership skill-building opportunities and experiences for all members Statewide.
The Emerging Leaders Social Committee is in the process of finalizing its Bylaws and a Constitution to govern the body.
For more information, email Vivian at the address above or PEF Assistant Director of Organizing Dr. Christine Pluviose at Christine.Pluviose@pef.org.