The What:
The Executive Board of the National Veterinary Professionals Union is looking for new members to run for election for the following positions:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary-Treasurer
- Directors of Collective Bargaining (2)
- Trustees (3)
The Why:
The veterinary industry is consolidating at a rapid pace, with corporations and venture investors moving to purchase practices throughout the country. When a private practice is acquired by these consolidators, the focus of the practice often shifts from serving pets, the people who love them, and the community at large to a profit-driven model. This shift takes away the voice of the people working in the practice who are striving to care for pets with adequate compensation, benefits, appropriate staffing, and a say in decisions that are made that impact that care. Organizing and bargaining as a collective can help restore some balance in the worker-corporation environment.
The Who:
You are a person working in the veterinary industry (or a credentialed veterinary technician if not currently working in the veterinary industry) who:
- … is passionate about veterinary medicine
- … believes unwaveringly in the power of the collective to create solutions and positive change
- … is committed to respectful discussion, dissent, and debate
- … has personal life and work experiences that offer diversity in opinions and ideas
- … is fearless (or faking it!) in the face of adversity
- … embodies resilience
- … exhibits emotional intelligence through not only self-awareness of your strengths and weaknesses, but also in your interactions with others
Expectations of Executive Board members:
- Attend six Executive Board meetings per year
- Participate fully in Board meetings by:
- Offering thoughts and opinions honestly and candidly
- Bringing new energy and fresh perspectives on the organizing movement
- Respectfully debating issues facing the Union and its members
- Utilize their networks to extend and expand the Union’s message and reach
- Attend contract bargaining sessions at least four times per year
- Meet with prospective organizers and workers on an as-needed basis
Questions to ask yourself before submitting your letter of intent:
- What causes are important to you, and what type of volunteer work is most fulfilling to you?
- How much time can you devote to board service?
- Are you comfortable with collaborative decision-making?
- Are you committed to democratic principles and directing a bottom-up, grassroots organization?
Ready to run?
If you’re interested in running for one of the Executive Board positions, please submit a letter of intent to [email protected]. Your letter should include answers to the following questions:
Please feel free to include any other information regarding your previous experience as it relates to the responsibilities and expectations listed above.
Letters must be received no later than November 15, 2023. We will conduct recorded video interviews, which will be shared on the Members Only page of our website for members to view prior to voting.
- Why do you want to serve on NVPU’s Executive Board?
- What do you believe organization and unions can do for the veterinary field?
- Why should union members vote for you to represent them on the Executive Board of the NVPU?
Please feel free to include any other information regarding your previous experience as it relates to the responsibilities and expectations listed above.
Letters must be received no later than November 15, 2023. We will conduct recorded video interviews, which will be shared on the Members Only page of our website for members to view prior to voting.