What I've learned in my first 30 days at the WPEA

Hi! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Jonathan Brown and one month ago today I was brought on as the new Member Coordinator for WPEA. While most take this time to talk on their years of experience that qualify them for the role, I must acknowledge that my resume lacks in that area. I just graduated from UW in May, and while I have had other positions in state politics and political campaigns, my body of work pales in comparison to our Executive Director Betty Jo Beardsley. At this point, my main qualification for being in this position is my eagerness to grow the membership base and deliver material improvements to workplaces across the state. And while I am still incredibly new to the organization, here are some observations I made that will inform my work going forward:

Always "Customer-Friendly"

On my very first day, as Betty Jo was running me through the office set-up, the office phone rang nearly every half-hour. In addition to getting examples of how to operate a landline phone, the experience showed me that WPEA is a customer-friendly organization. We always make ourselves available for members and try to keep them updated and informed on events impacting them. But in addition to that, we go to great lengths to address the needs and concerns of non-members. While there are certain services that we can only provide to dues-paying members, the phone is always open for inquiries and advice. We are committed to making Wyoming a better place to work for everyone and will help in any way we can, member or not.

Nothing beats a one-on-one conversation

When I was first being interviewed for the position, I learned about how much time Betty Jo and previous organizers had spent talking with members individually. Scheduling meetings and sending out newsletters always helps keep members informed and involved, but being on the phone with a member or traveling to speak with them during their lunch break or after hours makes a world of difference. We work for public employees, and it is our job to address them and their needs on their terms. This means working with their busy schedules and clearly communicating what WPEA can offer them in their unique situations. Since coming on board, I've made a point of consistently checking our inboxes and responding to everyone in a timely manner. I also try to give my cell number to anyone who reaches out so I can answer to the needs of

Technology has to play a bigger role going forward

Betty Jo likes to joke that she is "technologically illiterate". While I feel like she does not give herself enough credit for what she does know about computer programs, we do still use a great deal of paper for membership services. And although in my time at WPEA I have seen the benefits of this system in engaging members and non-members alike, offering more services digitally can greatly benefit the Association. Increasing the amount of communication on digital platforms can help us respond in a timelier fashion to urgent developments regarding the state legislature and elections, ensuring that employees are properly informed and have their concerns reflected in our lobbying and organizing work. I also believe that a greater digital presence will give us the ability to increase the name recognition of WPEA, which is critical both to new member recruitment and political advocacy. None of this work will come at the expense of our preexisting newsletters and mailers but will be in addition to them as an attempt to implement a "yes, and" approach.

I am excited and ready for more!

I am so fortunate to be able to work for WPEA and am incredibly grateful to Betty Jo and the Board of Directors for selecting me to this position. As a new member and employee, I am becoming more knowledgeable of the Association and the work that needs to be accomplished in the future. As I have settled into the position, I have many ideas to improve the lives of state and district employees, though as a man in his early 20s I do not pretend to be an expert. There is a wealth of knowledge from fellow members that I have and will continue to rely on as our work continues. Down below is my new contact information that you can reach me at any time.

(307) 640-0867

wpeajon@att.net