Using Your Time for Good

The rewards of stewardship are numerous. Yet many members don’t realize the opportunity is available to them

By Isobel Farrell, Regional Director

The need to care for our mental health and wellness has been a hot topic throughout the pandemic. By now you’ve probably read many lists of ways to prioritize, focus on, and grow your inner emotional and mental well-being.

Undoubtedly, many traditional ideas in this area are affected by COVID-19 protocols and regulations. But one area, surprisingly, that is seeing growth is volunteerism. Some of the benefits of volunteering include:

• Reduces stress
• Creates a sense of inner purpose
• Introduces social supports
• Teaches caring
• Develops friendships
• Learn new skills

Yet, as was learned during the pandemic, most CLAC members work in essential workplaces. You have worked hard and continue to work hard. And while volunteering has many attractive benefits, it can feel mentally difficult to find a place where you can volunteer.

It is hard to think about getting home after work, cleaning up, taking care of your home responsibilities, and then going back out to volunteer. It’s not impossible, but it is something that requires even more work.

But did you know that there is a volunteer opportunity for you to consider right in your workplace? Right now, there is a small army of volunteers at your work who have chosen to step up and provide vital help to you and your colleagues.

Don’t know who I’m talking about? It’s your stewards.

Your stewards are volunteers who play a key role in ensuring that your collective agreement is followed and that the union operates in a functional and effective way in your workplace. Because of these dedicated and hardworking volunteers, your representation has a face that you can see daily on your job site.

Being a steward has many benefits. In this position, you can directly see how and what the union does at your workplace. It can help you grow your skills and provide you with training that you can use in many other areas of your life. Plus, it aligns nicely with your work schedule.

While some of our stewards have served for many years, being a steward does not have to be a long term commitment. As stewards are volunteers, if you put your name forward to serve and are awarded the position, you will be supported by your CLAC representative in taking the responsibilities on in your own unique, personal way.

Curious? Intrigued? Want to know more? Reach out to your stewards and CLAC representative to let them know of your interest.

To those currently serving and advocating for our members at their workplaces, and to those who are considering throwing their hat into the ring, we thank you for your contributions and dedication to CLAC's beliefs. Without you, our work would not be possible.