Virginia Beach Education Association

09/11/2026

Tuesday’s Takeaways: School Board September 9, 2026
Part 4 of 4
Attendance Notes:
🟡via zoom Mark Bohenstiel (responded during roll call, and approval of agenda & minutes, but did not respond at any other point)
🛑absent David Culpepper

Regular Session
Information:
🔷Policy Review Committee (PRC) Recommendations, Kamala Lannetti
♦️Policy 3-47/New Construction, Additions, Alterations: Naming of School or Parts Thereof, Commemorative Displays - added language to cover grounds or facilities, some reorganizing sections and broadening of language to cover tri-campus possibilities, new section on exceptions
♦️Policy 4-48/Leave of Absence for Employee and Professional Organization Officers - updated language due to changes in state law
♦️Policy 4-88/Holidays - add Columbus Day to the list of holidays
♦️Policy 5-30/Graduation Requirements, Diplomas, Certificates - updated language to ensure compliance with state law
♦️Policy 5-38/Freedom of Speech and Expression - Students - just scriveners changes
♦️Policy 5-41/Student Dress and Grooming Codes - just scriveners changes
♦️Policy 5-46/Student Government, City-Wide Student Cooperative Association - no changes, just 5 year review
♦️Policy 5-52/Cell Phone-Free Education - Cellular Phones and Personal Electronic Communication Devices - added “smart devices” and updated legal reference
♦️Policy 5-66/Student Directory Information - updated language on immigration, nationality, citizen status to comply with changes in state law
♦️Policy 7-57/Vehicles, Motorized Devices and Animals on School Grounds - removed wording about prior approval and now are simply not allowed. Language was added to ensure exceptions for mobility needs. ‼️This does not include vehicles that require a license to operate ‼️

Standards of Learning (SOL) Pass Rates based on 2025-2026 Performance, Cheryl Woodhouse, Scott Dunn, Dr. Daniel Miani

Scott Dunn gave the main report
🔷went through all of the SOL scores per content area - on the slides the circles indicate the highest and lowest scores
🔷 10 schools participated in the LAVC2 where students could use that for verified credit instead of taking the SOL
🔷 VBCPS exceeded the state in all areas except 7th grade math
‼️in VBCPS, half of 7th grade students take either advanced math (8th grade SOL) or Algebra I ‼️
🔷 VBCPS outperformed the other 7 cities schools except for math: Chesapeake (+1) and Hampton (equal)
🔷 outperformed most state wide comparable size districts
🔷 there was an update on cut scores and the new “pass approaching” designation - this is still a PASS score currently, but as the new standards are fully implemented over the next few years, those scores will no longer be considered passing.

Dr. Daniel Miani continued the report
🔷Elementary & Middle school math are main areas of focus
🔷 Early Literacy & Student Reading PLans will continue
🔷 There will be an emphasis on supporting Students with Disabilities, English Language Learners and Black students
🔷 Another presentation on SOL data will be given in November

School Board Comments of Note:
➡️ Kimberly Melnyk - asked if we know how many students were in the pass approaching range
🟢 Dr. Robertson noted the state did provide those numbers, and all divisions saw dips in pass rates when looking at only those who met/exceeded the new cut score

➡️ Melinda Rogers
🔷 asked if the 2-3 hour PD requirement every staff day will be reduced given the SOL data
🟢 Dr. Robertson stated it’s still necessary to address the flat areas of no growth. Additionally, PD will be focusing on Compass to 2030 and Future Ready Learners components. Principals will be providing PD that fits the needs of their schools. He also stated that when staff get better when they are put in situations where they have to collaborate.
🔷 pushed back on that response citing the likelihood this will cause more burn out and potentially have an adverse affect

➡️ Michael Callan asked how satisfied division leadership is with only 50% of tests showing improvement in pass rates, and whether the division should really be celebrating being the best in the 7 cities, or if they should instead be aiming to be more like Loudoun.

➡️ Rose Dwyer asked to have the terminology around the pass language explained
🟢 Scott Dunn explained that “pass approaching” is the way they identify scores that fall in between 400 and the new cut score. For this year, those students passed. For future years, those scores won’t be considered passing.

Budget Calendar, Crystal Pate
🔷 outlined the dates for presentations that are key to the budget process including Mercer updates, Departmental presentations, meetings with City Council around Reversion Funds, Revenue Sharing and True Up, and the joining briefings of the 5 year forecast

Consent Agenda: Motion - Matthew Cummings , Second - Dr. Alveta Green. Passed 9-0
‼️Mark Bohenstiel did not respond to repeated requests for his vote via Zoom ‼️
🔷Policy Review Committee (PRC) Recommendations
✅ Bylaw 1-32/Adoptions, Amendment, Repeal or Suspension - Policies
✅ Policy 3-30/Purchasing and Procurement of Goods and Services
✅ Policy 5-25/Student Placement
✅ Policy 5-26/Course Load
✅ Policy 5-27/Promotion, Retention and Acceleration
✅ Policy 5-28/Reporting Student Progress
🔷Program Evaluation Schedule for 2026-2027
🔷New Courses
✅ Firefighting I and Firefighting II
✅ Law Enforcement I and Law Enforcement II
🔷Religious Expemption(s)

Action:
🔷Personnel Report / Administrative Appointments, Motion - Dr. Alveta Green, Second - Kimberly Melnyk. Passed 9-0
‼️Mark Bohenstiel did not respond to repeated requests for his vote via Zoom‼️
✅ A. Ragland will be the new AP at Arrowhead ES
✅ J. McGregor will be the new Coordinator of the Landstown STEM and Technology Academy

Board Member Reports
➡️ Kimberly Melnyk spoke on the importance of the Season of Non-Violence and the work VBCPS has done in partnership with this, and remarked on the passing of Herta Okonkwo who was a champion of the Season of Non-Violence
➡️ Melinda Rogers commented on the connection she created with professors from George Mason university to VBCPS which will provide opportunities for students who are interested in becoming professional musicians
➡️Carolyn Weems announced the 9/9/26 PRC meeting at 3:30
➡️ Kathleen Brown thanked everyone for a great start to the school year

09/11/2026

Tuesday’s Takeaways: School Board September 9, 2026
Part 3 of 4
Attendance Notes:
🟡via zoom Mark Bohenstiel (responded during roll call, and approval of agenda & minutes, but did not respond at any other point)
🛑absent David Culpepper

Last Workshop Item, moved to first item of Information in regular session due to time

School Division Services School Opening Update, Ben Oakes, Melissa Ingram, Jason Mokar, Sam Nix, Thomas Shattuck, Brian Loehn, Rachel Amato, Frank Fentress

🔷Ben Oakes - gave an overview of the various departments that would be giving their updates
🔷Melissa Ingram, Office of Facilities Services -
✅ gave a brief overview of the two departments: Facilities & Maintenance Services and Custodial & Distribution Services
✅ reviewed the summer projects that were completed to ensure facilities were safe & ready for the start of the school year
✅ over 30 sites had CIP (Capital Improvment Plan) work done

🔷Jason Mokar, Facilities & Maintenance Services
✅ gave more details about the maintenance work done at the 90+ facilities within VBCPS
✅ talked about the partnership with the VoTech program that gives students real world work experience

🔷Sam Nix, Custodial & Distribution Services
✅ talked about the process for the comprehensive cleaning of all schools
✅ talked about the collection & distribution of materials from all sites which also includes student records and furniture
✅ processed over 6,000 workorders in the summer while maintaining safe, clean spaces for schools with summer programs

🔷Brian Loehn, Transportation
✅ VBCPS busses traveled over 8.3 million miles in the 25-26 SY
✅ there are 581 bus routes for VBCPS
✅ gave a brief update about the Stop Arm Cameras on school buses - all busses are now equipped and the systems are active
✅ the Zum App is fully operational, and it is encouraged for all families to use it

🔷Rachel Amato, Food Services
✅ operating under the guidelines of the federally funded breakfast & lunch programs, the cost of services for students who pay full price is $1.70 for breakfast and $3.15 for lunch
✅Virginia has provided additional funding so any student who qualifies for reduced breakfast/lunch will receive it for free
✅there are 38 CEP schools - these schools provide free breakfast/lunch to ALL students regardless of individual qualification status. (approximately 22,000 students)
✅approximately 13,200 students at non-CEP schools qualify for free/reduced meals
✅families must apply annually to see if they qualify for free/reduced meals. The application can be completed at any time, but if it is not done by October 7, the previous year’s benefits stop. Applications are online at www.schoolcafe.com
‼️The following schools are CEP schools: Alanton Elem, Arrowhead Elem, Bayside Elem, Bayside High, Bayside Middle, Birdneck Elem, Brandon Middle, Brookwood Elem, College Park Elem, Corporate Landing Elem, Diamond Springs Elem, Green Run Collegiate, Green Run Elem, Green Run High, Holland Elem, King’s Grant Elem, Larkspur Middle, Linkhorn Park Elem, Luxford Elem, Lynnhaven Elem, Lynnhaven Middle, Malibu Elem, Newtown Elem, Parkway Elem, Pembroke Elem, Pembroke Meadows Elem, Point O’ View Elem, Rosemont Elem, Seatack Elem, Thalia Elem, Renaissance Academy, Virginia Beach Middle, W.T. Cooke Elem, Williams Elem, Windsor Oaks Elem, Windsor Woods, and Woodstock Elem‼️
‼️Even if your student is at a CEP school, this application also ensures your family/student is eligible for coverage of other costs such as summer programs, fee waivers for some cable services, AP exams, college application fees, etc. When in doubt, fill it out‼️
✅ 2 kitchens were modernized, and 2 HVAC systems were installed in kitchens that did not have them. 55 kitchens are now modernized

🔷Thomas Shattuck, Office of Security & Emergency Management
✅ completed School Administrators’ and Security Team trainings
✅ implemented the state-wide initiative to use DCJS standard response protocols, have updated all safe schools & emergency response materials for all schools
✅ received a grant to fully fund 15 elementary school security positions

🔷Frank Fentress, City of VB Parks & Rec.- partnered services provided to VBCPS
✅prepare and maintain athletic fields
✅ ensure 1600+ square acres of grounds are maintained for schools
✅ complete infrastructure maintenance such as parking lot paving, fencing, and sidewalks
✅ offer curriculum support
✅ emergency response maintenance for schools after storms

School Board Comments of Note:
➡️ Kimberly Melnyk - glad this presentations was delayed to regular session so more people would be able to watch it as it shows more key aspects of where the division’s budget is spent

➡️ Melinda Rogers
🔷inquired about the process for reporting things like the AC not functioning properly in some classrooms now that the division no longer has Building Managers for site based responses
🟢Melissa Ingram responded: there’s a new work order management system in place to streamline the request process. Removing the Building Manager position was partially a budgetary decision as well as allowed them to more those staff members into more specialized positions where they could better support preventative maintenance
🔷requested to see an improvement in the communications process regarding work orders as many staff had no idea if their requests had even been received
🟢Ben Oakes noted there were over 500 HVAC work orders in the first 2 weeks of school
🔷asked about bus assignments and how it was that there were students with no busses assigned going into the first days of school
🟢Brian Loehn responded that there is a registrations process in place, and families must register for transportation. Sometimes there is a 2 day lag between the registration and the assignment. Additionally they are short ove 20 drivers so some routes are designated as “to be assigned” and would not show for students
‼️There needs to be a way to communicate this with families and not have them wondering how their student is going to get to school ‼️
🔷 noticed the number of breakfasts served is greater than the number of lunches and inquired as to why that may be
🟢Rachel Amato responded they have been focusing on breakfast menu development the past few years as a way to potentially increase school attendance as well as ensuring students don’t start the day hungry. This has led to an increase in breakfasts served. They are now going to turn the focus to lunch menu development.
🔷 inquired as to where the division was in complying with the state’s new safe storage laws
🟢 Nicole Livas commented that everything is in the process of being on the division’s website to ensure compliance

➡️ Michael Callan
🔷 expressed concern that CEP schools are 100% free for all student meals
🟢this comes from federal funding, not the division
🔷askedd why a student’s account will be marked paid after Oct. 7 if they don’t apply for free/reduced meals
🟢that’s the note to show they are now a paid meal, not free - it does not mean the account is paid off

➡️ Sharon Felton
🔷 asked for more information about the internship opportunities with the city
🟢 Frank Fentress responded there were 2-3 internships plus the summer youth employment program had almost 200 students this summer
🔷asked if the 8.3 million miles referenced for busses included activities or if it was just regular runs
🟢 Brian Loehn confirmed that number is all miles for busses and vans that transport students for any activity/event
🔷asked how Custodial services got everything done for all the floors
🟢Sam Nix clarified there is a cycle for the schools. Some schools were in their off years so they only needed a top off, and others received the full strip and refinish
🔷 asked how they address schools with old furniture that needs replacement
🟢Sam Nix clarified that DOSL handles the purchasing process for furniture, Distribution Services just handles the delivery, removal and storage.

➡️ Dr. Alveta Green
🔷 expressed her appreciation for the thorough trainings bus drivers receive, and the ability for a driver to respond as she did during an accident to ensure all students were handled properly
🔷 asked how parents are being reminded to renew their free/reduced applications
🟢 Rachel Amato clarified that in addition to information being posted on websites and sent via school communications, there are weekly reminders that are sent to families

➡️ Rose Dwyer inquired as to how the division is doing with filling the vacant bus driver positions
🟢Brian Loehn responded there are 7 drivers and bus assistants that have just finished their 2 week training process, and 5 others who are starting their training
‼️Visit https://www.vbschools.com/careers to apply‼️

➡️ Matthew Cummings asked if they could get occasional updates on how many people are being ticketed through the Stop Arm cameras.

09/11/2026

Tuesday’s Takeaways: School Board September 9, 2026
Part 2 of 4
Attendance Notes:
🟡via zoom Mark Bohenstiel (we were told he was on, but he did not respond when called upon for the roll call)
🟡late: Kimberly Melnyk (4:45 - had a speaking engagement at the Governors’ School for the Arts)
🛑absent David Culpepper

Workshop, continued:

Va**ng Update, Dr. Walter Brower
♦️Va**ng remains a challenge but progress is being made.
♦️Nationwide, 7.2% of middle and high school students use tobacco/ni****ne products, and 42% of those students are frequent users
♦️There is not a state discipline code specific to va**ng - they have to use combination of codes to identify va**ng based on the discipline reports.
♦️Middle & High School referrals and suspensions have decreased
♦️Early intervention, and the SAIP program, are key to this progress
♦️Va**ng is extremely hard to detect, and v**e devices are often undetectable by metal detectors
♦️Interventions include curriculum on dangers of use, codes of conduct, restroom supervision walkthroughs, tracking passes
♦️ Limited evidence that va**ng sensors work, and the cost does not outweigh the evidence to support
♦️CDC recommends counseling and other programs as priority ways to decrease va**ng in youth

School Board Comments of Note:
➡️ Dr. Alveta Green
🔷 there have many inquiries and concerns from the community about va**ng. Does the state not define va**ng as a discipline code?
🟢 Dr. Brower responded: The incidents are recorded as ni****ne or ma*****na, and not specific to the device used
🔷Is there a way for us as a division to differentiate that
🟢Dr. Robertson responded: we’ve not had any discussions on that so far, but it’s certainly something we can discuss
🔷This has become so sophisticated, are there programs we can use to educate families and the communities to help be proactive?
🟢Dr. Brower responded: communications are sent out, and there’s a code of conduct, but the interventions are specific to the person found to be using.
🟢Nicole Livas responded: there are resources on the webpage for families and communities

➡️ Melinda Rogers
🔷 appreciates that he stated it takes all of us working in lock-step together. Is there a difference in referrals and suspensions?
🟢Dr. Brower responded: Every case gets a referral, but not all referrals are suspensions particularly if it’s a first offense and SAIP is an option
🔷Concerned with locking bathrooms, has heard from students that supposedly the devices are being hidden in the bathrooms, and is wondering if there are procedures for looking for those when doing the bathroom sweeps
🟢respnse: if time permits, yes, security will check for devices when they sweep
🔷It is really a concern that students have difficulty finding an open bathroom in a timely manner when bathrooms are locked. Wants to emphasize community and parent education so they understand just how dangerous this is for students, and the bodily damage that can arise from use.

➡️ Kathleen Brown - asked Dr. Brower to review the results from the v**e detector pilot program
🟢it was at Landstown HS, there was a lot of time spent chasing because detectors went off, groups would come out and have to be searched and when nothing was found parents are upset their students were searched, admin were pulled from other things they could have been doing to follow up, felt the money would be better spent on human resources rather than the electronic, and the detector went off when the building was even empty

➡️ Matthew Cummings
🔷shares the skepticism of the usefulness of the v**e detectors, families are commenting that their students are afraid to use the bathrooms and that va**ng tends to be a reason for that fear, and would like to have more quantifiable data around why this is. Is there an extra something we can add to make note
🟢Matt Delaney responded - we are bound by state code on what can be included on those
🔷what does the discipline process look like
🟢Dr. Brower - first action is to see if the student is impaired, then contact the parent and proceed with due process and the consequences as are appropriate, starting with interventions
🔷Are these referrals all unique individuals
🟢Dr. Brower - no, they will include repeat offenders
🔷curious if certain schools are hotspots, would like to see who the division can be more proactive, and particularly the bathroom issue with students being afraid to go

➡️ Kimberly Melnyk - these numbers on discipline infractions are only the ones that got caught, feels the numbers are actually much higher. All the education in the world sent home is not going to do any good as long as parents are in denial. This is an epidemic, and is worried there’s really not anything that can be done. “ I don’t care what they do at home”, just don’t bring them to school - the division has to start sending the message that there are real consequences for having illegal items

➡️ Rose Dwyer - how are we reaching the retail stores to protect our kids
🟢Dr. Brower: we deal with what goes on inside the school walls, not the community, but questions are asked about what consequences are occurring for those places that sell to students

➡️ Michael Callan
🔷questions about comparisons between referrals and suspensions, it says “suggests” va**ng. Are numbers really down, or have we just redefined what the offense is
🟢Dr. Brower - we have not redefined it, the state sets the definition. Have found students in possession of the v**es, but not necessarily able to prove they were using it so that “suggests” the use
🔷have we done any analysis about those who have graduated from SAIP programs and/or counseling and the success of those programs?
🟢Dr. Brower - can provide the numbers on repeat offenders, but does not have data on the actual effectiveness of the programs

➡️ Carolyn Weems - there’s such a battle with the marketing, and the addiction is a very real issue, and they come in so many forms that look like everyday items so you can’t tell, would like to see conversations on how maybe Harbor Hope can help with va**ng and the recovery from addiction to v**es, has heard about the bathroom situation as well that students don’t want to go to the bathrooms

➡️ Kathleen Brown - would like to see a future agenda discussion on what the School Board and division can do to address this issue. Listed some of the things that these v**es resemble, and how inconspicuous they can look.

➡️ Matthew Cummings - remember an article from a city-wide task force in Newport News, would really like to collect information from administrators so it can be escalated to decision makers at the city and state level. What are the next steps for bathroom safety
🟢Dr. Robertson - this is a multi-faceted and multi-layer challenge, so time is going to be needed to develop a real plan, and need to find a pathway that will ensure the best return-on-investment. It’s going to take working with the parents and legislators

➡️ Melinda Rogers - can we get data on how many recommended for Harbor Hope were va**ng related. Please send recommendations to the legislative committee for possible state legislations
🟢Carolyn Weems responded: to her knowledge the number is 0 which is why she wants to have a conversation there

09/11/2026

Tuesday’s Takeaways: School Board September 9, 2026
Part 1 of 4
Attendance Notes:
🟡via zoom Mark Bohenstiel (we were told he was on, but he did not respond when called upon for the roll call, nor did he speak at any point during Workshop)
🟡late: Rose Dwyer (4:01) and Kimberly Melnyk (4:45 - had a speaking engagement at the Governors’ School for the Arts)
🛑absent David Culpepper

Workshop:
School Board Administrative Matters and Reports
🔷Melinda read some August & September recognitions and commemorations
🔷Kamala Lannetti clarified that if a SB member needs information that is specific to their role as a member, but if it is deemed to not be related to their duties then they need to file a FOIA request and will be charged the same rate as the public for the FOIA.

Benefits Update from Mercer, Crystal Pate & David Keough
🔷David Keogh gave the report which includes the most recent quarter’s data
♦️The historical claims trend is showing improvement, and a significant decrease from 2022/2023
♦️Specialty medications account for the majority of the prescription claims, and are often $5000-$15000 per month in costs
♦️ High-Cost Claimants have declined slightly. Only 0.5% of members using the health plan account for a large portion of the claims. These are generally for conditions that require a lot of testing and specialized treatments.
♦️The BeWell program has some positive outcomes for members: 62% increased/maintained their physical activity, 56% decreased/maintained their Body Mass Index (BMI), and 70% decreased/maintained a healthy Blood Pressure.
♦️Preventative visits and screenings are higher for BeWell participants than for non-participants.
♦️There is a $1million improvement in projected costs from the March report. The health fund balance at year end is projected to be favorable by $2.3million from previous projections.

School Board Comments of Note:
➡️ Melinda Rogers - noticed the highest expense is for diabetes treatment, and wants to know how with the expense of the plans and medications, how they’re going to bridge the gap to ensure diabetics receive the treatment they need. Those who don’t get treatment, there are a host of other problems that arise further down the road. We have to find a way to make this more affordable to employees. Also need to make sure that our health fund balance improving is not done by increasing the costs to employees. They should not have to decide if they can even afford the medical benefits.

➡️ Dr. Alveta Green - asked if the data was through March
🟢David Keogh responded: it is through June. March was simply a reference to the last update that was given

➡️ Kathleen Brown
🔷concerned that even though the projections are currently showing a favorable trend for this year, in 2028 projections show the balance dipping down.
🟢David Keogh responded: this is something to keep an eye on and as future discussions about funding are had that is something to consider
🔷Asked if this included the $5.8 million from the city’s special reserve
🟢David Keogh responded: no, it does not

09/11/2026

Show up for Newport News!

** This Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the NN School Board Meeting in Support of a Collective Bargaining Study Group – A Necessary Step to Achieving Contract Negotiations!**

A reminder to join us in at the next NN School Board meeting this Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 pm at 12465 Warwick Boulevard. A Collective Bargaining Study Group is on the agenda for a vote. A similar Collective Bargaining Task Force by NN City Council led to collective bargaining rights for city workers! We need the School Board to approve this necessary step in order to establish bargaining units and bargaining terms before a vote on collective bargaining rights for NNPS employees!

Can’t make it there in Red4Ed? Email the School Board that you support the Collective Bargaining Study Group and collective bargaining rights for NNPS employees:

[email protected] (chair)
[email protected] (vice chair)
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

More info: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17RSJAJMZh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/09/2026

Wow, we have had an overwhelming amount of responses to our calendar survey in just the first couple days since launching it! The opinions are pretty loud and clear. The first Calendar Committee meeting isn't until September 23rd, so please keep sharing and encouraging others in Virginia Beach to respond as well!
We know the start of the school year has been challenging for you guys to say the least, but we really feel that we have an opportunity for change here. Lets keep it going!

VBEA Survey: https://forms.veanea.net/view.php?id=1063292

09/09/2026

REMINDER!
Wednesday, September 16th is our first All Member Meeting of the fall semester!
Location: Princess Anne High School, in the library, at 5:30pm
We will be recapping the prior year, giving an update on everything PACE related, and discussing the upcoming VBEA special elections. If you’re interested in running for an open position, please stop by the office and grab your petition. Floor nominations will also be accepted at this meeting!
All Member meetings are a crucial way to stay up to date and involved with your Union, so you don’t want to miss it. We’ll see you there!

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day!

It is important for us to remember: we are a labor union! Labor unions have fought to transform working conditions and protect workers’ rights for centuries. Whether you realize it or not, EVERYONE benefits from the hard work that unions have done. We would not know modern workplace conditions, if it were not for those who came together before us saying “enough.” That does not mean that the work is over though! Today, teachers and support professionals still face unsafe working conditions, unlivable wages, and a growing lack of support from their communities.

Here are a few things YOU can do to support your local labor unions, but also advocate for yourself in your workplace environment:

1. Join your local union! The VBEA is open to ALL VBCPS employees. Bus drivers, security guards, office staff, substitutes, we are not just for teachers! And even if you are not an educator, look to see if your own job has a union chapter!

2. Know your rights! Understanding state and local school board policies is one of the best ways that you can advocate for yourself. Knowing your rights is POWER! In a perfect world, all employers would treat their workers completely fair and never enforce out of code/illegal directives. However, we all know that this happens far too often. Being able to recognize when it does means that you can stand up for yourself and your coworkers against unfair labor practices.

3. SPEAK UP! Change only comes when we are willing to stand together and demand better for ourselves. That does not mean you have to be rude or irrationally confrontational- advocating can be done through respectful discourse with your supervisors. Going out of your way to establish open and honest communication with them when you can is always the first step. Having those conversations as part of a larger group can be more effective; if your boss sees that the issue at hand affects more than just one person, they are more eager to listen and collaborate rather than argue off the jump.

4. Show your solidarity. The reality is that we are all humans who just want fair working conditions. Whether you are part of a union or not, supporting your friends, neighbors, and coworkers who are, benefits everyone. Unions are not evil, greedy organizations. They are groups of honest, hard working people who want better for themselves and the world around them. The working class should be supporting and uplifting each other forward, because at the end of the day, we are all in the same boat.

The history of Labor Day, and Labor Unions in general, is vast and there really is so much more to unpack. But we will leave you with these thoughts for now. It’s important to remember the history of those who came before us, often already the most marginalized among us, and continue the work that they started. For a deeper dive into the origins of the VEA specifically, check out this article that they created to celebrate 150 years!
https://www.veanea.org/about/history/150years/