Cultivating Member Leaders
Jacqueline McCollum "I got it!" the member screamed pumping her fists into the air after receiving the news she could refinance her home and keep it. The smile on Local 1000 activist Jacqueline McCollum's face after seeing the member's triumphant call was unmistakably one of happiness and pride. "That's why I'm here; that's why I get up every day."
Partnering with the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, Jacqueline and her network of fellow state workers hosted a workshop on down payment assistance and loan counseling. More than 60 Local 1000 and community members attended the workshop held on Saturday, March 3, in Stockton.
"There's another potential member leader. She is going to go back to her worksite and tell everyone what happened to her this weekend. That's really exciting. That's what motivates others to become involved," Jacqueline said explaining that she sees herself helping Local 1000 build a strong network of member activists. "This is a member-run union, so let's run it!"
Serving her first term as president of DLC 769, Jacqueline hit the ground running. Members inspire her every day to find the energy to keep going and find even more ways to engage members. Along with her duties with Local 1000, she is also running for the Democratic Central Committee of San Joaquin County.
As a DLC president, Jacqueline is concerned about individual strengths and empowering her fellow members to thrive. "I work with a lot of talented employees, and I want them to get involved because that's when their spirits take off," Jacqueline said. One-on-one conversations with members allow her to see her coworkers' desire to help those in need. "We can all get involved in one way or another - we just have to decide to do it."
