SEIU’s 24th Quadrennial Convention
In just a few months, 3,500 SEIU leaders and activists will gather in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the SEIU 2008 International Convention and several exciting pre-Convention activities, including one-day industry Division Conferences. Working people throughout North America are sending a loud, clear call for the ability to start achieving their dreams, including quality, affordable healthcare for all, fair and comprehensive immigration reform, the freedom to choose unions without employer interference, and real economic and social justice.
It is a crucial moment in history, one that presents SEIU delegates with unique opportunities to lead the movement to make these and other dreams come true by building:
- 24/7 member representation and engagement systems that unleash the skills, talents and passion of SEIU members to build a member-led movement for a just and humane society;
- A union that is the premier force and voice for building a progressive majority to change the lives and realize the dreams of hardworking North Americans;
- A national growth strategy that blends the work of Local Unions, Divisions, and the International Union.
This website includes instructions on how to register delegates and alternates. Also included is information on pre-Convention activities, hotels, and child care.
Pre-Convention activities will begin on Saturday, May 31, when thousands of SEIU leaders and activists will participate in day-long SEIU Division Conferences, which will give us the opportunity to celebrate victories of the past four years and make plans for 2008 and the years beyond. That evening, there will be an opening reception for delegates, alternate delegates, conference participants, and guests.
On Sunday, June 1, there will be several additional pre-Convention activities, including morning Interfaith Services (in both English and Spanish), a Retirees Conference, and an orientation session for first-time delegates and alternate delegates. In the evening, there will be a Convention concert, featuring nationally and internationally-known performing artists.
The Convention will officially open at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 2, with plenary sessions scheduled each day through Wednesday, June 4. There will be an election at the Convention to fill SEIU offices provided for in the SEIU Constitution and Bylaws as it may be amended at the Convention. Canadian Vice Presidents and Executive Board members will be elected by the Canadian Council at its Convention. It will conclude with a closing party on Wednesday night.
Please plan to arrive no later than Friday, May 30, to ensure your ability to participate in the pre-Convention activities that begin the same day and Division Conferences beginning at 9 a.m. the following morning, May 31. Please plan to depart no earlier than Thursday, June 5, so that you can participate in the closing festivities on Wednesday night.
This will be SEIU’s 24th Quadrennial Convention, and it promises to be our most exciting gathering ever. We are looking forward to a great Convention and to seeing you and your delegation in San Juan.
In unity,
Andrew L. Stern
International President
Anna Burger
International Secretary-Treasurer
Mary Kay Henry
Executive Vice President
Gerry Hudson
Executive Vice President
Eliseo Medina
Executive Vice President
Tom Woodruff
Executive Vice President