My name is Jonna Lynn Bransford and I am an advisor to International Students in the Office of International Affairs. My perception of labor has been colored by being brought up in a home where union membership was a fundamental feature of work life, so I had no hesitation about joining AAUP when I was hired as an academic professional three years ago. I eagerly volunteered to become a Unit Rep and, as a new parent, I’ve chosen to work with the Parents’ & Caregivers’ Caucus.
I chose to volunteer my time with this caucus because achieving work/life balance and managing the costs of raising children in Portland on a PSU salary is incredibly challenging and at time, overwhelming. I am active in our union and in this caucus to help us think about how we can use our collective power to figure out a better way to manage our competing roles as parents, children, employees, and friends. How can we create systems of support and solidarity to lift us all up? I don’t know the answer to these questions. I do know that I need you, and you need me, and we need us.
Let’s work together and let’s build something better. All members are welcome to join the Parents & Caregivers Caucus at upcoming events, including a panel entitled Why Caregiver Leave Matters, which will include a brief screening of Zero Weeks followed by a panel discussion this Wednesday April 24 from 12:00-1:00 pm in KMC 605. Join us in the discussion even if you did not RSVP!!
In solidarity,
Jonna Lynn Bransford