There are many ways to be an active part of GEO

GEO is a democratic, bottom-up organization - as opposed to the top-down structure of corporations, and UMass.  We are literally the will of our members, accountable to the decisions we all make.  Thus taking part in GEO to determine the course we take is very important, and can take various forms:

* coming to the monthly general membership meetings
* becoming a departmental or worksite steward
* join a caucus or committee
* attend GEO and non-GEO actions in the area by consulting our calendar

If you would like to be more involved with the general organizational work of GEO, or find out about our regular Organizing Committee Meetings please contact our Summer Organizer Josh Stearns at geoorganize@gmail.com

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Please check our calendar for the next GEO General Membership Meeting
As always dinner will be served.

GEO Caucuses
The purpose of caucuses is to provide a forum for underrepresented groups in the union in which their particular concerns and issues can be addressed. Caucuses should provide a supportive space for these groups and facilitate their active involvement and full participation in the union. Chairs of caucuses are ex-officio, non-voting members of the Steering Committee and full voting members of the Stewards' Assembly. The current GEO Caucuses include:

* ALANAA/ International Caucus
* Muslim Caucus
* Queer Caucus 
* Women's Caucus
* Family Caucus

If you would like to join, set-up or un another caucus or one of the currnelty unattributed caucuses above,or have a suggestion for another, please email us: geo@external.umass.edu

GEO Standing Committees
As per GEO's bylaws, committees carry out and facilitate the various day to day functions of the union, bringing consistency and continuity to its operations. They are also instrumental in including rank and file members in union activity and decision-making. All members are eligible to serve on all committees, so if you wnat to get involved please contact the relevant chair person(s) below:

Organizing
The goal of this committee is to build a strong internal organizing structure able to lead and support various campaigns, to respond to and prevent grievances, and to create a stronger union presence and awareness in individual departments campus-wide

Grievance
Committee members receive training and participate in labor grievance procedure, including interviewing and advising grievers, and facilitate the grievance process

Bargaining
Responsible for all aspects of collective bargaining, including surveying the membership and negotiating with the administration. This committee is elected by the membership, which also oversees its functions.

Finance
Responsible for drafting the annual budget for the unit and preparing requisitions for the Joint Council. Members serve on the Local 2322 Finance Committee and attend all Joint Council meetings.

Elections
Oversees the election of officers and at-large members. Committee members are elected by the membership in the Spring semester of each year.

Health and Welfare
Responsible for maintaining a dialogue with the membership at large about child care, housing, and health issues. Also helps to administer child care programs won through previous contracts.

Personnel
Interviews candidates for GEO staff positions and makes recommendations to the Assembly of Stewards for final hiring decisions. Seven committee members are elected by the membership and two are appointed from the steering committee in the Spring semester of each year.