Q:        What is a UniServ Council?

 

A:        UniServ (short for Unified Service) councils are the regional offices that deliver the expertise and programs available to members. The UniServ council is comprised of staff that is likely to include a mix of former classroom teachers, lawyers, labor law experts, organizers, mediators, bargaining specialists and support staff.  These staff members help local associations with communications, community organizing, collective bargaining, contract enforcement, human relations, professional development, legal assistance, lobbying, member benefits, organizational development, political action, research and many other education-related programs.               

There are 21 UniServ Councils within WEA and each has its own governance leaders, with members directly electing their local officers. Council leaders make major policy and spending decisions in conjunction with the policy directives set by member-delegates at the annual Representative Assembly.

 

Q:        Which local associations are in the Sammamish UniServ?

 

A:        There are (9) local associations in the Sammamish UniServ Council. They are: Bellevue, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Lake Washington ESP, Mercer Island, Riverview, Snoqualmie Valley, Snoqualmie Valley ASA and Tahoma.

 

Q:        Why do I have to belong to my local, council, state and national associations?

 

A:        Through your membership, you have access to support and programs across local, regional, state and national levels. Nearly 400 local associations in almost every school district in the state are affiliated with WEA, which is a state affiliate of the 2.6 million-member National Education Association.

Q:        How do I get help from my UniServ Council?

 

A:        The first step is to contact your local president. They are trained on member services and can aid in determining the first course of action. In times of emergency or when there are difficulties in reaching your local president, members can contact the Council office directly at 425-822-9898.