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On the Roadwith Rachel Hendrickson* I recently traveled to Florida to work with the members and leaders of the United Faculty of Florida, NEA's higher education affiliate representing faculty and graduate assistants at the state's colleges and universities. Now here are some people who are undertaking an ambitious project. They're setting out to create nothing less than a 21st century union. Led by NEA member Gail West, a steering committee is going to review UFF's whole operation and culture—and work to create a shared vision for the organization that will help members face future educational and organizational challenges. With the pending merger between NEA and American Federation of Teachers affiliates in Florida, UFF membership will increase by more than 15 percent, as faculty at Miami-Dade and Edison Community Colleges join with their colleagues in becoming the primary voice of higher education in Florida. What I especially admire about the members of the steering committee and other UFF leaders is their willingness, first, to unflinchingly examine their organization—success and failures, strengths and weaknesses—and, second, to commit to developing a plan to guide the change process within UFF. It is difficult for an organization to make changes that prepare for challenges that aren't yet visible. But UFF is doing just that. With increasing numbers of long-time members retiring and increased demand for higher education in Florida, UFF is getting itself ready to represent the needs of a new generation of members and to promote quality higher education in Florida. * —Rachel Hendrickson coordinates NEA higher ed activities. |
