Democracy in Action
NYSNA’s First Virtual Convention During the first two months of the pandemic NYSNA’s Board of Directors met weekly, and since then every two weeks, to help coordinate the union’s response to this unprecedented challenge.
virtual platform provided the perfect opportunity to expanded education and training on the overlapping crises we’re facing—from the COVID-19 pandemic, to a massive economic collapse, to the country’s long overdue racial reckoning.
A central goal for our statewide leaders was continuing to put rank-and-file members at the center of our union work and to preserve democratic debate and decision-making in these unprecedented times.
Extensive Education Program
Hosting our annual convention virtually was a top priority. And the
In the five weeks prior to our first virtual convention we held 47 workshops attended by 633 members, covering everything from a clinical review of COVID-19, including the multi-system nature of the disease and best practices
for treatment, to understanding why promoting racial justice is key to building a strong union, to identifying strategies for building NYSNSA’s political power in New York and beyond.
Huge Turnout for Convention On October 20, 480 elected convention delegates and 352 guests participated in NYSNA’s first virtual convention. In addition to passing proposed bylaw changes, and addressing resolutions and other convention business, NYSNA leaders were able to share their experiences on the frontlines, honor our colleagues taken by COVID-19, and hear tributes from elected leaders, honoring our professionalism and commitment throughout the pandemic.
NYSNA leaders Kelley Cabrera, Aretha Morgan, Patricia Armand, Dee Lacey, and Lenore Granich-Berghela join Executive Director Pat Kane to discuss their experiences on the frontlines.
NYSNA President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez conducts debate during the business meeting. 26
2020 a year like no other
