On Sat., Oct. 19, the PROTEC17 Regional Executive Committee (REC) — our union’s policy-making body — convened in-person at the Museum of Flight in Tukwila to conduct the business of our union. As part of the twice-yearly event, the fall REC meeting highlights our union’s accomplishments and victories for the year, and celebrates member-leaders with our annual leadership awards.
The meeting opened with a welcome and tribal land acknowledgement by PROTEC17 President Rachael Brooks. Delegates also heard a year-end budget review from Executive Board Secretary-Treasurer Mason Emrys.
The theme of this fall’s meeting was ‘Meeting the Moment’ meant to inspire us to keep going during these unprecedented times. Delegates heard a ‘state-of-the-union’ update from Executive Director Karen Estevenin that emphasized the many accomplishments that we made throughout our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan to create a strong union identity and culture, build our political power and community connections, and strengthen member leader programs and opportunities. Delegates then heard a recap of the planning process and survey results that helped to shape the draft 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, and voted to adopt the new priorities. You can read more about our next Strategic Plan on p. 6.
“We have accomplished great things together over the last three years thanks to the dedication of our leaders, including everyone in this room,” said Executive Director Estevenin. “I’m excited to see what we’ll accomplish during the next three year plan.”
After a short break, delegates participated in an interactive workshop to discuss the most important issues we’re facing as a union in this moment, and the role of member leaders in addressing these issues.
Following the workshop, delegates heard from King County members Jessy Marie Hardy and Katie Schneier about a resolution to align Washington pension funds with our union values. After discussion, the body voted to adopt it.
The fall REC meeting also includes the presentation of awards that recognize members for their important contributions to building worker power. This year’s winners include: David Halsell (Organizer Extraordinaire, City of Seattle), Tolyn Seng (For the People – Advocacy, King County Public Health), Joseph Opoku (Doesn’t Need Coffee – Activist, WSDOT), Jeremy Ward (Union Through and Through, King County), and Tina Kendell (Rising Star – New Leader, Clark County).
Congrats to all of our winners, and thank you to all of the REC delegates for all you do for our union! The next REC meeting will be held virtually on Sat., March 7, 2026. Delegates should expect to receive more information shortly.