Change your union from within

The four documents to locate

1. Local constitution and bylaws — meeting notices, elections, member motions, financial reports and appeal processes.
2. State-level union governing documents — representative assembly, delegates, committee structure and proposal deadlines.
3. National affiliate governance documents — requirements for delegates and affiliate participation.
4. Your dues authorization and CBA — different documents with different legal effects.

A practical change process

1. Write one specific concern and the policy, practice or provision it relates to.
2. Identify who can change it: building rep, executive board, local meeting, delegate body, state assembly, or affiliate.
3. Verify the required motion/proposal format and deadline in current governing documents.
4. Draft measurable wording: what changes, who acts, and what gets reported to members.
5. Request a recorded response and, where authorized, seek agenda placement or a member vote.
6. Share the result factually with members; distinguish your proposal from the current union position.

Sample question to your union

Which rights are statutory?

Washington law protects certain organizing and nonparticipation rights. Separate internal union governance protections can arise under bylaws and, where applicable, federal law. The NEA states that the LMRDA applies to the national NEA and some affiliates; its rules do not automatically govern every Washington local.

If you are not a member

You still have bargaining-unit representation rights. However, you generally should not assume you can vote in members-only elections or submit internal motions as a nonmember. You can still speak at board meetings, contact elected officials, request public records and ask questions about the district’s contract obligations.