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By Lorinda Seward, Local 351, Editor, inSolidarity
The newly elected inSolidarity Committee held our first meeting on November 26 and 27 at OPSEU/SEFPO HQ, where we rolled up our sleeves, took a deep breath, and dove into the work ahead.
Reflecting on Editor’s Weekend, we discussed what worked well (hello, vibrant workshops and inspiring keynotes!) and what didn’t (note to self: never underestimate the need for more coffee and snacks).
As always, our focus remains on how to continue empowering members through storytelling.
A Heartfelt Thank-you and a New Chapter
During this meeting, I had the immense honour of being acclaimed as the new Editor of inSolidarity, following the exemplary leadership of Craig Hadley.
Craig’s years of dedication to union journalism have left a legacy that is both humbling and inspiring. Personally, I’ve learned so much from him – his commitment to amplifying worker voices, his knack for making complex issues accessible, and his unflagging belief in the power of storytelling.
On behalf of the committee and our membership, thank you, Craig, for all your work as Editor of inSolidarity.
But don’t worry, Craig is still part of the committee, and we look forward to his continued participation in labour journalism … I Craig your Pardon?!
About me
I’ve been a proud member of OPSEU/SEFPO for 24 years and serve as a Steward with Local 351, part of CAAT-S. I’m also the Region 3 Alternate for the Provincial Women’s Committee.
Outside of union work, I love songwriting and photography as powerful storytelling methods. With an MA in Gender and Social Justice Studies, I’ve been a lifelong advocate for ending violence against women, a cause that remains close to my heart.
For the past two years, I’ve been thrilled to tell the stories of our members through inSolidarity, and I’m excited to continue as Editor, amplifying your voices and sharing the issues that matter most to you.
A Fresh Format for a New Era
Our discussions about workload and the future of inSolidarity led to some big, bold decisions.
Many of you fondly remember receiving the physical editions of inSolidarity four times a year. For years, these printed issues were a highlight for members across the province. However, we’ve also recognized the changing landscape: the rising popularity of online platforms and the ever-present budget constraints.
With all this in mind, we’ve decided to embrace a new format.
Going forward, inSolidarity will no longer produce physical copies.
While we understand this might come as a disappointment to some, we see it as an exciting opportunity to modernize how we deliver union stories.
Instead of waiting for quarterly editions, we’ll be publishing articles online as they’re written. This means the events we cover and the stories we tell will reach you faster, ensuring that members stay informed in real time. In a world where labour issues and victories evolve quickly, this change allows us to keep pace.
Writing for Impact
One highlight of our meeting was an incredible writing training session led by OPSEU/SEFPO Communication Officer Michelle Langlois.
Michelle armed us with tools to sharpen our pencils (metaphorically speaking – this is the digital age, after all) and refine our storytelling skills. With her guidance, we’re ready to deliver compelling articles that reflect the passion and resilience of our members.
Your Voice, Your Newsletter
Of course, inSolidarity remains OPSEU/SEFPO’s member-driven newsletter, and that means we want to hear from you! What’s happening at your local? What labour issues are impacting your region? Is your area council or labour council making waves? We’re inviting all members to share your stories, ideas, and perspectives. Together, we can continue to amplify the voices that make our union strong.
To submit articles or ideas, email us at [email protected]. Let’s keep the conversation going and the stories flowing.
As we move forward, I’m excited about what we’ll accomplish together. With the support of our incredible committee and membership, I know inSolidarity will continue to be a powerful platform for worker voices. Here’s to a new chapter in union journalism!