It's natural to become reflective when you leave a job behind and start a new chapter. NYSUT women will be entering a new chapter as well, as they embark on the next three years as the NYSUT Women's Committee. For the past six years the women of NYSUT have built a vibrant women's movement. One that will continue for years to come, but things are sure to change and evolve. The goal, if that isn't clear, is to work themselves out of a job. Because there will be no need for a women's committee if true equity and equality is achieved for all women.
But for now, on this International Women's Day, there is still work to be done. One thing we can all do is acknowledge the power union women will have in shaping the labor movement going forward. We all know union women have greater earning power than nonunion women.
Union women make 94 cents on the dollar compared to 78 cents on the dollar for nonunion women.
According to the AFL-CIO, women make up 47% of the workforce. However, it is believed that by 2025 the number will grow to 50%. Unions fight for expanded paid leave, access to affordable childcare and reproductive freedom. All issues where women's voices must be heard, and women must be at the table as advocacy is shaped.
With women making up 50% of the workforce by 2025, surely women will make up half of all the leadership positions within the labor movement, right? Wrong.
Unfortunately, we see women and people of color leading in much smaller numbers than they should.
I believe that is because we aren't intentional enough about the leadership opportunities we provide. I'm not talking about formalized leadership programs, which are amazing and needed, what I'm talking about is something much easier. The good news is it doesn't cost a thing. All that's needed is commitment and time. A commitment to sponsoring and mentoring women and BIPOC within our unions in a real, genuine way.
We've all heard of mentoring, but have you heard of sponsoring? Sponsorhip is something that happened organically but intentionally within our NYSUT Women's Committee. We became sponsors for one another, and we went from strangers to sisters. Then we became each other's biggest and fiercest supporters.
According to the Center for Talent Innovation, 85% of women and 81% of BIPOC need this type of "navigational support" to find true success in the workplace, and in leadership, but don't often receive this type of purposeful guidance.
So, what does sponsorship look like?
A sponsor acts as a bright light that shines on an individual. This light allows others to see that person for upcoming opportunities, recognition and/or promotion. Sponsors are usually internal to an organization/union, and sponsors are laser focused on establishing deep relationships. The sponsor works intently on elevating the individual or individuals she is working with to boost that individual's status in the organization or union.
NYSUT women have done this beautifully, as many of the women serving on the committee are now leading their unions, serving on our Board of Directors, or making a difference in other ways like in the political arena or by establishing powerful women's chapters across this state. These women have moved mountains! Trust me, I've seen it firsthand. At this year's American Federation of Teachers convention, NYSUT women worked in tandem to help shape a resolution in support of reproductive freedom. They surrounded the microphones when it came time to move this resolution on the floor. But the way they did this work is what was so magical. Some women were stepping out of line at the microphones, so different women could speak. They were taking a step back, so others could take a step forward.
No competition.
Just respect.
Appreciation.
Grace.
Another example that illustrates sponsorship...when one NYSUT woman happens to be doing the work of the union, other NYSUT women will elevate that work for their fellow sister on social media, at ED meetings and at conferences, so everyone knows about it and can appreciate the good work happening in the field. It is selfless. These actions are meant to elevate another over oneself.
What, then, does mentorship look like?
Mentorship is when the mentor reflects back to the mentee, like a mirror would. The mentor helps the woman determine her strengths and offers advice and guidance. Part of the beauty of the NYSUT Women's Committee has been the opportunity to mentor female leaders across New York. It has been a remarkable experience to visit locals, speak with women on an ongoing basis over Zoom and help them establish themselves as NYSUT leaders. These mentorship opportunities are possible because other NYSUT members recommend women who might benefit from mentorship. These members recognized two things when connecting me with these female leaders: the power of this NYSUT sisterhood and the value these peer-to-peer relationships can have in strengthening our union overall.
So why aren't more locals sponsoring or mentoring women and BIPOC?
Sometimes it is out of fear. Fear of losing one's status as the "only" one. Sometimes we get comfortable with our own status and worry that if someone else is shining too brightly our own position might diminish. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of you have heard me say this before. It is not enough that you have achieved a certain status in this world if you don't help clear a path for others. There is strength in numbers and women must be represented in leadership at the same levels that they exist within any organization and that includes unions. So, lock arms with your union siblings, particularly if you are from a marginalized group, and be sure that you become a sponsor or mentor for someone else.
How can you get started?
It's simple. Make time to really listen and watch NYSUT women at work in your locals and regions across the state. Then, take the time to establish genuine, authentic relationships with them.
As I said earlier, take a step back so a different woman can take a step up.
And you don't have to be a woman to sponsor a woman. You just have to care enough about intersectional feminism to get involved and do the work. I promise you will "get" more than you give.
Before I close, I want to shine a spotlight on one local chapter of NYSUT Women that does a wonderful job each Women's History Month by highlighting their female leaders. Check out the Albany Public School Teachers Association (APSTA) on social media, led by their president, Laura Franz. Each March they hold a HERstory event celebrating APSTA women. It is something special and can easily be replicated in your local.
This will be my last Women's History Month blog post as Executive Vice President. The greatest joy of my tenure in this position has been to co-chair the NYSUT Women's Committee with Aisha Cook and Leslie Rose alongside the talented, fierce and committed women of our Steering Committee: Cheryl Hughes, Nicole Capsello, Dora Leland, Melissa Servant, Marne Brady, Roberta Elins, Tenika Wilcox, Sandie Carner-Shafran, Barbara Hafner, Latrice Curry, Rahana Schmalacker, Lori Atkinson and Andrea McCue. I want to thank these women and the entire Women's Committee for their leadership, friendship and sisterhood. We really have gone from strangers to sisters!
Don't forget to check out our NYSUT Women webpage for inspiration this Women's History Month and to establish a sponsorship or mentorship initiative in your local. We have funds available to assist your own projects thanks to the generosity of retired NYSUT Vice President, Catalina Fortina. Our Mosaics of Sisterhood Grant is available for any NYSUT member to access. Mosaics of Sisterhood Grant
Coming to the NYSUT RA? Why not support this incredible sisterhood by making a donation at our NYSUT Women Booth? All proceeds will support reproductive freedom, and you will leave with a piece of original art.
