Hi – I’m Don Naismith and am privileged to be a new Branch member. I want to share with you why I think you might also want to get involved:
…mostly I think because I hear so many people say they need to reconnect with what they care about in their work. Could you:
- Influence, shape and inform what our work looks like?
- Learn through UNISON training, campaigning and activities?
- Support colleagues facing challenges and discrimination?
- Campaign against cuts and service closures?
And which options could you work around your routine:
- Seek opportunities through our revitalised website and newsletters?
- Share your story/ideas?
- Become a local or Branch rep?
- …or join a group…
Why groups?
Groups are one way UNISON organises. I am part of the LGBT+ group and we organise our own meets and set our own priorities. Sometimes we just chat – but we also lobby for change – in both the Council and the Union.
I find LGBT+ progress painfully slow, so I’m looking to work with more LGBT+ members and allies to push for real progress – and counter Right media hate and misinformation. We also lobby the UNISON LGBT+ conference, in Edinburgh 18-20 November. If you’d like to attend, let me know.
And here are the dates for our self-organised groups – if you’re LGBT+ and interested in attending any of these, let me know and I’ll send invites:
- 15 Sept – 1730-1900 at the Mandela Room, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh
- 28 Sept – 1200-1300 – TEAMs lunchtime gathering
- 12 Oct – 1730-1900 at the Mandela Room, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh
- 26 Oct – 1200-1300 – TEAMs lunchtime gathering
- Later meetings to be mutually agreed
Representing everyone
Standby for more on our other groups – Women – Black – Young People – People with Disabilities – LGBT+ and Retired Members. Want to get involved? Or develop into a Branch role eg Steward, H&S or Equality Rep?
We also want our Branch to accurately represent our diverse membership – so are keen to have more women and young members in Branch roles. There’s amazing opportunities here, particularly to rekindle what we most care about.
Curious? Let us know…
Edinburgh Branch