Grassroots members guide ONA

Our recent Members’ Assembly was proof of that.  

Held in King City over four days this spring, the assembly brought together 30 grassroots members representing various ages, backgrounds, professions, sectors and all five ONA regions, who were randomly chosen from all those who had expressed interest. Most had little to no previous involvement in our union, as their perspective and experience as grassroots members was what mattered most.

“I realized that I pay union dues, like all members, but didn’t really know what ONA does,” says participant Jessica. “I knew there was help in terms of legal assistance if anything were to occur, but beyond that, I didn’t understand ONA's goals or values. When I got the email [looking for participants], I thought what better opportunity is there than by helping form ONA’s next strategic plan.” 

Path towards success 

She’s right.

With ONA’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan coming to a conclusion, the goal of the assembly was for these members to dialogue in small groups and issue a series of consensus recommendations. These insights were intended to reflect the concerns and priorities of members regarding ONA’s work, principles and values in light of the significant challenges nurses and health-care professionals and the labour movement in general face.

The recommendations will assist the guidance group, made up of members of the ONA Board of Directors and senior staff, in creating our next strategic plan, which will set the direction of our union for the years 2027-2031.

“This plan is a map, a path towards success, and whatever that success looks like,” explains ONA Provincial President Erin Ariss, a member of the guidance group, along with fellow Board members Region 1 Vice-President Monique Storozuk and Region 4 Vice-President Grace Pierias. “It's not just based on what the Board wants to see, and it’s not third parties doing this on our behalf. It's what grassroots members want. That’s what sets us apart because that document should be informed by those who are part of the union. I’m not the union, the Board isn’t the union, we’re all the union.”  

Participant Anabel, who felt she had a lot to add to the process as a late-career nurse, agrees.

“We're all part of the same union. I love the fact that ONA got us together to bring forth all of our ideas and this is coming from us. It’s not coming from a Board of Directors somewhere telling members that this is our strategic plan. I get very emotional thinking about it because it's so fantastic.” 

In fact, ONA is the first union in the world to hold a Members’ Assembly to inform a strategic plan, which Ariss is “really stoked about.” Assembly co-facilitator Chris Ellis told the group in the opening session that research shows participation in such assemblies increases civic engagement long-term. Assembly “alumni” often become more involved in their communities and union activities. 

We could already see glimpses of that as the week progressed, with Pierias stating, “at the opening night session, as is often the case in these situations, everyone was reluctant to ask a question, raise their hand or make a comment. By the last night, we ran out of time because there were so many questions! I can't say enough about how brilliant this group was – a beautiful cross-section of our membership – and each one brought something so valuable to the table.” 

Education and deliberations  

The assembly was frontloaded with several ONA, Canadian and international guest speakers, who discussed the intricacies of our union, unions in general and the broader labour movement to give members the background needed to proceed to the next component.  

“Understanding what a union is, what it represents and the importance of its existence, was really eye-opening,” says participant Posi, adding she didn’t realize that she had a voice in the union until this assembly. “Before this, I could only see what was happening around me, but this has made me think of the bigger picture. It’s broadened my view.” 

After information from the Board and senior staff on ONA’s current strategic direction, including what we’ve accomplished, what’s working, what challenges remain and the external factors at play, the members’ real work began, as they were divided into several tables, each with a facilitator, to discuss various ONA principles and priorities, and hash out recommendations. They were encouraged to move around from session to session to engage with different members.  

The Board wasn’t in the room for these deliberations because “we wanted an intentional structure where we weren't hovering over them or creating our own biases, so we could receive a report that is truly free from influence,” says Pierias. 

We also saw members working on the strategic plan after their already long days, with Ariss noting, “it's not all about the business and having discussions at tables. It’s equally about the social aspect, and the team- and relationship-building. We saw equal amounts of both, which was amazing.”

“It was quite invigorating and empowering to be surrounded by so many other like-minded individuals who are also feeling the pressures and stresses in the workforce,” relays participant Nate, who volunteered for the assembly to help support his peers. “And it's very validating to hear that my issues are very common to other sectors and other positions, not just nurses.” 

Participant Rupinder also felt “that my work in my own community was rewarded at the assembly because I could share my experiences and bring them to the table. All these minds coming together, bringing all these ideas, knowing we’re helping to form the strategic plan is very exciting. This is something I’m going to remember my whole life.” 

Recommendations 

At the conclusion of the assembly, members presented their recommendations to the guidance group, which will also be given a formal report.  

They made it clear they truly believe we’re all ONA and that they want to see a more engaged membership. In fact, an informal poll taken during the assembly showed they overwhelmingly want a “social” union model with high levels of grassroots engagement over a “business” union model that acts like a third-party delivering services. It’s further proof that ONA is heading in a direction that aligns with what members want to see.  

“We don't want our union to be transactional,” says Storozuk. “We don't want it to be just about grievances and workloads. We want it to be about mobilization. The input, insight and messages of these members have been heard by the Board, and we will use all these things to develop the strategic plan for ONA to move forward, ensuring we’re giving members a voice and making them feel their value. We thank all members who volunteered for this assembly. I don't think in the past we would have had so many. That’s an incredible step in creating a new ONA.” 

Unstoppable 

“I think it's really important that the plan is actually going to be carried out and that there will be tangible things that can be done to make our professions better,” says participant Farrah. “I don't feel like it's so abstract that we’ll never get there. I think it's very doable.” 

Participant Nihal, who called the assembly “a wonderful and supportive experience,” is also happy that the strategic plan can evolve, as necessary.  

“Hopefully, it will get results, but I understand things don’t always go as planned. At least the issues are raised. And if some part isn’t successful, it can be raised again with maybe a different approach, and that’s OK. You have to learn to pivot and continue.”   

While these members expressed their hopes for the next five years the strategic plan will cover, including increased union empowerment, solidarity and knowledge, workplace improvements and a government that respects nurses and health-care professionals, Ariss has a very selfless goal of her own.   

“Watching these grassroots members bond at this assembly, knowing that they’re going back to their Bargaining Units to take on elected roles is very exciting. In five years, I would love to see one of them become ONA President, so they can continue on and move our union forward using the plan they created.” 

Participant Aurora is already onboard.

“A fire has been lit inside me to be an advocate for the union because of this assembly. ONA is only as strong as its members, so I’ve taken that home with me. We either rise together or we fall together. And whatever happens in the next five years, if we can just join forces, we’ll be unstoppable.”