Leadership That
Listens,
Advocacy That
Delivers
Welcome to my campaign website! I hope I can earn your support for the position of EDMN Secretary/Treasurer. Please use the website to get to know me a little better, contact me with questions, add your name as a supporter, or share a testimonial of why I may be a good candidate to elect to this important office! Thanks for your willingness to believe in me. If elected, I vow to work tirelessly to understand all the challenges you face and advocate on your behalf to enrich our profession.
If elected, I will bring experience from my time in various leadership roles, including the only candidate who has been a local Treasurer and Secretary. I also have led my local’s committees, as Membership Chair, Organizing Chair, Legislative Chair, Special Education Task Force Chair, and Grievance Committee member. Also, I am the current Vice-Chair of the EDMN PAC board. These roles have equipped me with a diverse skill set in areas like collaboration, budgeting, strategic planning, legislative advocacy, and financial oversight—all of which are essential for the responsibilities of Secretary/Treasurer.
If elected, I will prioritize transparency, accountability, and empowerment. As Treasurer, I will ensure financial transparency, carefully managing our budget and making sure that every decision reflects the priorities of our members. Our members need to trust that their dues are being used effectively. As Secretary, I will be committed to being present, actively listening to our members, communicating effectively, and taking accurate meeting notes to keep everyone informed. I will also facilitate and lead changes that are in the best interest of our members.
If elected, I will advocate tirelessly for our members at the legislature. I recognize that our compensation, working conditions, safety, pensions, and living wages—including those for ESPs —are all on the line. I will use my experience to push for policies that improve public education and support those who work in it. I believe that when our rank-and-file members share personal stories, a true impact is made. If elected, I will work to make sure that more members are actively involved in lobbying and testifying for the changes that matter most.
If elected, I will also focus on strengthening communication and collaboration across our entire state. Relationships matter and I am committed to forming and maintaining meaningful relationships with our members. I understand the desire for more frequent communication and a deeper connection between local leaders, members, and state officers. If elected, I will engage with local leaders, IOs, committee members, ESPs, and other stakeholders to gather insights, identify challenges, and ensure that our leadership supports the unique needs of every local—whether in greater Minnesota or urban and suburban areas.
If elected, I will be committed to managing our resources with integrity, ensuring that our priorities are reflected in every decision we make. I will focus on amplifying the collective voice of educators and ensuring that our work is respected and valued. I will work tirelessly every day to secure fair compensation, continuing the fight for pension reform, improved working conditions, and the respect we all deserve. Together, we can unite, empower each other, and make our voices heard because when we stand together, we rise stronger.
I believe in the power of active listening and advocacy to bring about meaningful change for our educators across the state. My commitment to being an attentive listener will ensure that all members feel heard and valued. With strong communication skills and a deep sense of empathy, I will foster a culture of transparency and fiscal responsibility within our organization. Furthermore, I plan to collaborate closely with local leaders and members to strengthen our organization, so that together, we can create a unified voice that empowers us all to work for a better EDMN.
Vision Statement: I am deeply committed to managing our resources with integrity, putting the needs and priorities of our members first. My focus will be on transparency, accountability, and amplifying the collective voice of all members. If elected, I will work tirelessly to defend the rights of our members, secure the resources and fair compensation we deserve, and champion the respect our profession has earned, while honoring the unique needs of every local. This is our time to unite, empower each other, and ensure that our voices are heard—because when we stand together, we rise stronger.
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Managed and paid for by the Committee to elect Heather Mathews for EDMN Secretary/Treasurer