The Only Way to Make a Change is Get Involved

By David Green
LA County Social Worker, LACERA’s Board of Investments

On Aug. 4, 2011, I was elected to the LACERA Board of Investments by my fellow coworkers.

I made the decision to run because I wanted to ensure the security of my family’s future and that of all county workers.

The breaking point for me came last December when a sitting board member, who had served for 30 years, voted in a way that would have jeopardized the security of county workers.
I asked this board member why he voted in such a shortsighted way. He brushed me off and asked me what I was going to do about it. I’m proud to say that I ran for his seat and overwhelmingly won thanks to the support of workers.

I could have given up, sat back and complained, but the good advice of SEIU 721 President Bob Schoonover reminded me why I got involved in the union in the first place – to make good changes happen.

There is no use complaining if you aren’t going to get involved and make a difference. I knew winning would be a challenge, but I had the best interest of county workers and the support of SEIU 721.

During the campaign, I went to worksites and the number one thing members asked was how I was going to increase communication. Our members want to be engaged, so I plan to make sure they get the opportunity.

As a member of the LACERA Board of Investments, I will find every way to communicate with workers, through worksite meetings and new forms of social media such as Facebook. I want to make sure workers are involved and aware of the decisions LACERA faces.

It’s easy for LA County workers to get stuck only thinking about day-to-day issues, but we have bigger fights to take on in order to protect the future security of workers and their families. We are 53,000 members strong and together we will take on a Fight for a Fair Economy and begin planning for bargaining next year.

So let’s take action today. Make the decision to make a difference, create change and get involved. Believe me, you will have the overwhelming support of 721 members to make a huge difference.