Design

Describe your action plan and how each of your four chosen competencies will influence its design and implementation.

Action Plan and Competency Alignment
My action plan focuses on creating and piloting a Communications Committee within KEA to improve consistency, timeliness, and accessibility in union communication, with an emphasis on engaging underrepresented members. Key steps include finalizing the committee’s scope, recruiting members, and testing multi-channel communication strategies.

• Communication: Guides the development of clear, actionable messaging strategies so updates, surveys, and meeting summaries reach all members effectively.

• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Focuses on building trust and fostering collaboration by engaging diverse stakeholders and encouraging shared ownership of the committee’s goals.

• Cultural Competence: Ensures outreach and practices are inclusive, especially for elementary staff and newer members whose voices often go unheard.

• Association Leadership: Helps align the committee’s work with KEA’s mission and supports sustainability by coordinating efforts between leadership and members.
  
  

Leveraging Strengths and Addressing Stakeholder Needs
My leadership approach draws on the expertise of KEA leaders and the insights of members by creating structured opportunities for input and collaboration. Surveys and discussions will help identify the unique needs of groups like elementary staff and newer members, ensuring their perspectives shape the committee. Encouraging members to pilot communication strategies broadens decision-making and fosters shared learning, creating a stronger sense of ownership across the union.

Using Collaboration, Questioning, Data, and Reflection
Collaboration will bring together leadership, committee members, and stakeholders to co-create effective strategies. Open-ended questions in surveys and focus groups will surface members' needs and preferences, providing a foundation for data-driven decisions. Regular reflection sessions with leadership and the committee will evaluate progress and refine approaches as needed. This cycle keeps the plan responsive and aligned with union priorities.

Addressing Obstacles
I anticipate challenges such as time constraints and member apathy. To address these, I will start with small, manageable pilot initiatives that demonstrate immediate value, like targeted email updates or brief virtual check-ins. Building trust through transparency and consistent communication will also help reduce resistance and encourage participation.

Indicators of Success
Success will be measured through:

• Feedback from member surveys.

• Quantitative metrics such as email open rates and meeting attendance.

• Observations and testimonials from leadership and committee members.

• Establishing a clear, sustainable framework for the Communications Committee.