Dear fellow ESPA members,

It is with great pleasure and honor that I represent ESPA members and provide leadership to our union as we go through a significant transition – to new horizons and new successes.  The current political environment presents us with many difficult challenges, but we are committed to forge ahead with a great deal of confidence, vision and persistence.  It is essential that we take this time to demonstrate the true meaning of a union and face these issues with unparalleled unity and commitment.  I strongly urge our members to unite, and help us build a solid foundation from which we can address our concerns and protect our rights.

Our executive board has several newly elected members who bring new ideas and energy to the table.  They are eager to begin addressing union issues and further educate themselves on union protocol in order to provide our members with the best possible representation.  I look forward to working with our executive board as we reassess objectives and strategies and I hope each of our members will show their commitment through cooperation and participation during this process.

The ESPA membership is comprised of a diverse group of individuals, each with distinct needs and concerns.  As a union, our diversity is a strength.  I strongly encourage our members to foster a supportive environment from which we can utilize our distinct attributes to manage negative responses and negotiate positive advancements.  We must optimize our unity and create a formidable platform from which we can address adversity.  I am confident that we will be successful in our endeavors and overcome the challenges we face.

Sincerely,
Lou Rainone, President
Educational Support Professional Association