Membership Communication & Engagement

One of my goals is to improve how OSPOA communicates with members, encourages participation, and creates a stronger sense of community across the Association.

I began using the OSPOA Blog to provide members with a central location for Association news, explanations of important issues, and updates they can reference later. I also introduced SurveyMonkey surveys to solicit direct feedback on important decisions. These surveys allow members to express their opinions and submit written comments for consideration by the State Executive Committee (SEC).

I introduced recorded candidate interviews during our recent Vice President election. With more than 850 members spread across Oregon, many voters have never met the candidates seeking Association leadership positions. Campaign letters only tell you so much. Recorded interviews allow members to see candidates, hear their answers, and make more informed voting decisions.

During collective bargaining, I pushed for the creation of a blackline contract immediately following negotiations. Previously, members sometimes waited a year or longer for the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to publish the final agreement. That's a significant delay when our contracts last only two years. The blackline version incorporates negotiated changes into the existing language, providing a working contract while DAS prepares the official document.

I also changed how tentative agreements are presented for ratification. Members now receive three options: a brief summary of the highlights, a video presentation where I explain each change and its background, and the complete blackline contract for anyone wanting to examine the actual language. Members can decide how deeply they want to review the agreement before casting their ratification vote.

Beyond communication, I created the OSPOA Golf Tournament, and established official Association support for Forensic Science Appreciation Week, Dispatch Appreciation Week, and the OSP basketball and softball tournaments. At our golf tournament, retired Troopers reconnect with former coworkers, members travel across the state to see old friends, and fathers and sons play together. Those experiences remind us that an Association is more than who we contact when something goes wrong.

I also recognize that communication can improve. The blog hasn't been updated as frequently as I'd like. My goal moving forward is to publish approximately one update each month, and more frequently when important developments warrant it.

I've appreciated the opportunity this campaign has provided to give members a broader “State of the Union” assessment of our Association. If reelected, I intend to provide that type of comprehensive update at the end of every year.

Some members previously requested virtual access to SEC meetings. Although I had reservations, we conducted a pilot program to evaluate the idea. Approximately 30 members participated in the first meeting, but only three participated in the second. Given that decline in interest, we did not make virtual attendance a permanent feature. I'm willing to consider new approaches, but I also believe we should evaluate whether they're actually being used and providing value.

Ultimately, good communication isn't measured simply by how many emails we send or meetings we broadcast. It's measured by whether members receive useful information, have opportunities to express their opinions, and feel connected to their Association.

That's the standard I've worked toward, and one I intend to keep improving.