Core Member Engagement Team

HSA’s Core Member Engagement Team (CMET) is an intensive member program that supports skills and leadership development of HSA members working towards a stronger union. The program combines training in organizing, team building, on-the-ground mobilizing, and strategic decision-making to prepare union activists to work together on solutions to the challenges facing our union members in their workplaces and their communities. CMET participants develop the member outreach skills needed to be a valuable asset to any HSA chapter. These skills range from direct engagement skills such as active listening, public speaking, and effective meeting management, to strategic planning, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

Team members will come together to understand how a member mobilization campaign works and how to manage time and resources to achieve campaign goals through independent, small group, and large group work.

Each member engager will work with steward teams in their region to develop a member engagement plan that includes encouraging and reminding members to vote in the provincial election. Engagement events and activities will include individual conversations, presentations at chapter meetings, and worksite walkabouts - all while following provincial and local health and safety protocols.

By the end of the program, member engagers will have experience translating provincial goals into local actions and understand techniques to build solidarity across difference. They will be able to map and chart a workplace, assess issues that diminish solidarity, identify possible ways to address the issue, and build support for solutions – skills that apply beyond the workplace and union activism.

Following their participation in the program, member engagers will be encouraged to continue to use their skills and experiences to help develop HSA members’ participation in their union to continue to grow solidarity and effectiveness. Strong unions are more likely to achieve change at the bargaining table, in our professions, and across our province.

If you would like to learn more about the CMET program before applying for this opportunity, two one-hour online information sessions will be held on Monday May 6, 2024 at 6:30pm PST and Tuesday May 7, 2024 from noon-1pm PST.  Please sign up for the information sessions on our website.

• April 29: Application period opens
• May 6 and May 7:  Virtual Information Sessions at 6:30 pm and noon via Zoom
• May 19: Application period closes at 11:59pm
• Late May/Early June: Applications will be evaluated and a selection committee including a member of the HSA Board of Directors, Member Engagement Team graduate and HSA Organizer will conduct interviews.
• Late June: Successful applicants will be notified
• September 9-12: Four-day team training, orientation, and team building
• September 23 – October 21: Four-week full-time book-off period

The Core Member Engagement Team is focused on training, teamwork, and outreach.

Key components of the program include:

• An initial four-day organizing training, orientation, and team building;
• A four-week long intensive full-time book-off period;
• Ongoing assessment and reflection, team check-ins, and one-on-one support from HSA staff organizers; and
• On-the-ground member mobilization focused on learning foundational organizing skills and encouraging members to vote in the provincial election.

The team uses a “ladder of engagement” framework that identifies a series of escalating actions for members to develop a deeper commitment and engagement in the campaign. Members will learn and use engagement tactics including in-person conversations, phone calls, and mapping and charting of worksites in addition to participating in chapter meetings and drop-in membership information sessions.

By the end of the campaign period, engagers will have worked with stewards and union activists to connect with members through a variety of channels. These activists will understand the value of member engagement and have the tools to build and organize around important issues and campaigns in their workplaces.

Core Member Engagers will:

• Learn about the labour movement, and the role of unions in increasing equity;
• Undergo intensive training and orientation to organizing and mobilizing;
• Participate in campaign planning and execution;
• Work with experienced staff organizers who will support outreach and campaign efforts;
• Engage with other HSA members, activists, and stewards to help make your union stronger;
• Participate in weekly team meetings and regular team check-ins;
• Work with stewards and worksite leaders to plan and hold member engagement events and activities; and
• Set collaborative goals and track progress.

Core Member Engagers should:

• Be deeply committed to collectively building a stronger, and more participatory union;
• Have an interest in and previous experience with outreach and engagement, with getting others to take action on an issue or campaign, either within HSA or another organization;
• Have a demonstrated commitment to anti-oppression, cultural humility and decolonization;
• Be comfortable holding conversations with members and activists they may not have met before; and
• Be available for the full duration of the program including the four-day training, four-week book-off period, and some follow up meetings.

Examples of engagement work could include:

• Growing and training a list of active volunteers for a sports team;
• Striking up conversations with your neighbours and moving them to action on a community issue;
• Working with members of your faith community to provide services to your unhoused neighbours; or
• Listening to your colleagues and advancing their concerns in your workplace.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, May 19 at 11:59 PM PST. From there, applications will be reviewed and short-listed, and a selection committee will conduct interviews. All applicants will be notified by late June if they have been approved for the program.

For the majority of Core Member Engagers, this will be a full-time intensive experience. Full-time availability is important to the success of campaign activities and leadership development. Availability for the four-day training and four-week full-time book off period are mandatory for participation in the program. Accommodation may be made for participation with reduced or part-time hours.

A four-day training and team orientation will take place from September 9-12, 2024 close to the HSA office in New Westminster. The team will learn important outreach and engagement skills and techniques from experienced HSA staff and other labour activists.

Core Member Engagers will meet as a group at the beginning and end of each week for informational briefings and progress updates. The team may also participate in webinars and other learning opportunities for continued education.

Yes, Core Member Engagers receive wage replacement and expense reimbursement. Any travel and accommodation costs related to the work will be covered by HSA. Engagers may be required to travel and be available to meet with other members outside of standard work hours (9 am to 5 pm).

The Core Member Engagement Team will be considerate of their own health, and the health of others in public settings including worksites. If individual health considerations or public health restrictions limit or prohibit in-person activities such as walkabouts or in-person meetings, Core Member Engagers may have to use alternative methods to conduct member engagement such as:

• Video conferencing,
• Group and text messaging apps and tools,
• Phone calls, and
• And other online digital organizing and social media tools.

No, you do not have to be a steward to apply. Any current member can apply.

HSA is working towards equity and encourages people who experience marginalization (including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, people of the global majority, women, young workers, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2SIA+, immigrants and refugees, and diverse faiths) to apply for the HSA Core Member Engagement team. 

No, this opportunity is open to all members living across the province.

Two one-hour online information sessions will be held on Monday May 6, 2024 at 6:30pm PST and Tuesday May 7, 2024 from noon-1pm PST. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP through our website.

You can also contact HSA Campaign staff Nicole Seguin nicole.seguin [@] hsabc.org with any questions regarding the 2024 program.