Leif Jones, Department of Housing and Community Development
What made you decide to start working for the State?
I was looking for a career path where I could contribute to my community. Something where I would work with people who need help. It’s a space that allows me the freedom to move with the pulse of the world around us that often gets overlooked for a fast-paced, digital hive mind our society tends to focus primarily on. When I saw an opportunity for working in State service, and having seen other family build their lives on State work, I chose to embark on this path. It’s not easy work, but it’s a special career path that holds greater reward. The value in what I do for myself is in establishing my future, stability, financial success, and the benefits a State job has to offer; it’s an incremental build-up to an investment of time and value where I can thrive in my personal and professional life. The value in what I do for my constituents is in resolving complex matters on subjects few people have a firm clarity or understanding of; to address escalations that need a balanced perspective, an empathic ear, and a compassion for the people and their stories/experiences while facing a hardship or an unknown that needs a clear answer so it may be addressed.
How has your leadership evolved since becoming a steward?
It’s been a long time coming. I have been a dues-paying member of SEIU Local 1000 since starting my State career in early 2019. As a member, SEIU Local 1000 representation saw me through a number of bad leadership/management experiences, informed me as to my Weingarten Rights, and offered me relief and a sense of peace while working in various hostile working conditions. Had I not maintained my membership, I would very likely not have a State career today. Years later, I was recommended by my District Labor Council (DLC) president to take on a stewardship role, and I haven’t looked back since accepting this opportunity. I am connected to the central knowledge on contract work and advocacy for union activism and authority. I have a concept of politics that wasn’t readily available to me at the start of my career. Being a job steward has opened my eyes to the behind-the-scenes, and I’m now a part of that work that keeps the State in check and upholds our rights to fair bargaining, a Contract we deserve, representation we need, and to forge a path where a brighter future can be claimed for all of us; not just some of us. I get to help my fellow members and encourage nonmembers to participate in this process; to stand up for themselves and speak when others would fail to give them that space. I have the competence and clarity I need to be a voice for my community, and it’s a privilege I do not take for granted. I continue, I learn, and by my pursuance of a leadership role I can apply myself to a wealth of experience which will carry me through to many successful ventures, investments, and opportunities in my State career while building a bridge of action and activism that keeps us winning more for our contract than losing. That’s how I find myself leading as a leader in our labor movement.
What motivated you to step into leadership?
Between Telework, pay raises, retirement benefits, and health benefits along with a series of bad management and leadership concerns, I saw an opportunity to join the momentum of a united frontier and offer a way to contribute to the fight for my fellow State Worker.
I intend to further my career path and establish myself in State leadership roles. I am eligible to become a Manager, and voices like mine being shaped and formed in the labor movement will carry the power of a conscience that can support members and apply our values behind closed doors. I am learning how to be a good Manager, and I am learning how to be a powerful ally to each community in our State. I am ready to embrace my power. I am ready to celebrate and uplift my community and better support the constituents we serve. I am ready to stand in solidarity with the people who fight for a better State workplace and supportive internal and external system(s) with political power for our labor movement.
What continues to inspire your involvement in this work?
People inspire my involvement. People power inspires my involvement in this work. This is an important learning opportunity and experience for me, and I am paying forward to the next job steward who will take over when my work is done. Time changes, opportunities close, and shifts come into place for the next opportunities to come. I am building a space and a path at the same time for the next generation of job stewards to take on and continue the work. I’m honored to be a part of this moment and in the coming moments where we make history for the better of the people’s will and rights. I am one voice, but it’s a part of a series of many voices changing the future for the better. What could be more inspiring?