Maria Monroe
I want those who are already members of NPEU to have confidence that we will do everything we can to retain the rights already established by a contract and for new units to understand that they are supported in a deeply institutional way.
Introduce yourself and where you work.
Hello! My name is Maria Monroe. I work for the Washington Center for Equitable Growth as Senior Manager, Digital Development. I am a proud member of NPEU Local 70 and an advocate for union building and representation. I am based in DC, and I have been living here for about 12 years.
I am a steering committee member of NPEU Members for a Democratic Union and honored to run on the slate as a candidate for VP of Representation. We believe in union organizing that is bottom up rather than top down, leadership that focuses on transparency, and building a community of members who feel invested and a part of their union.
Why do you want to run for this position?
Representation is a key building block for a strong union. Creating structure and law that is enforced consistently and equitably by a strong hand is imperative to creating and sustaining worker rights. This position encompasses both creating structures and by-laws and teaching members how to advocate for their rights and helping to enforce those rights.
I am running for this position because I believe I maneuver with both a strong and strategic hand for members, and I am comfortable with holding management accountable. As we grow as a union, we need to teach members and support members, which I will do consistently, equitably, and effectively.
What does being in a union, and specifically being an NPEU member, mean to you?
For me, being a part of NPEU means being a member of a community that builds up and supports its members through a shared vision of equity, justice, and policy. Working for a nonprofit already implies that we are driven by passion and vision. Unfortunately, sometimes organizations take advantage of the passion that we have for our work by undercutting wages and being flexible with our policies for “the cause.” While we fight for mission-driven causes, we also need to fight for ourselves. Being a part of NPEU is an amazing vehicle to ensure our own career growth and stability and it provides a safety net for members as we fight an array of larger issues.
What experiences have you had that have prepared you for this position?
At Equitable Growth, I worked on and co-chaired the DEI committee, worked on the union organizing committee, worked on the bargaining committee, and was the President of our unit for two years, while also being a member of our unit LMC and an NPEU E-board member. I spent countless hours at Equitable Growth working with other members of our bargaining committee to draft our contract and then go through it line by line with management to fight for our rights. During my tenure as Equitable Growth unit president, I worked with several members on staff to address financial and personnel issues, and I always provided an open ear and suggested a path forward. I do not shy away from hard work, and I am not easily intimidated. Representation means showing up and standing up, and I have displayed that I do both.
What qualities do you believe make you a strong candidate for this position?
I have several qualities that I believe make me a strong candidate for this position. First, I have experience developing a contract and making a strong case for it with/against a management team. Second, I have experience successfully leading a unit and representing staff on a wide array of issues. Third, I do not back down in the face of management and will always push for the best possible outcome for members. Our contracts are floors, not ceilings, and we should always strive to do the most we can for our NPEU community. Fourth, I make time for people. I want to be an open and available ear for all members because you deserve it. And the last reason, at least that I’ll mention, is that I believe in our union members and the growth of this organization. We have made so much progress, but we’re not done yet. I want to help continue to build this community and foster the connection among the individuals within it.
What goals would you like to focus on or accomplish over the next 2 years if elected?
I will work with current units to hold management more accountable on a regular basis. I will work with potential units to create stronger contracts that have less ambiguity for management to exploit. As we take on more units, we need to still fight for those who are already a part of the NPEU community. Every contract that we ratify and that we back is a foundational piece of our organization. It sets a tone for how we do business and that we’re a force to be reckoned with. I want those who are already members of NPEU to have confidence that we will do everything we can to retain the rights already established by a contract and for new units to understand that they are supported in a deeply institutional way.