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Henry Goodhue for NJEA ST.jpg

For NJEA Secretary-Treasurer
it's #GottaBeGoodhue

Why is Henry Running? 

Connecting Our Members - Securing Our Success

Henry, a special education teacher of over 20 years, has been actively involved in the union for the entirety of his career. Serving as the President of an all inclusive local of more than 1,000 members for over 10 years has given Henry the experience and perspective needed to serve all members. His campaign is built upon the core value of connecting our members to continue building our collective strength as a justice-centered union. 

Supporting New Jersey public schools and educators goes beyond professional dedication for Henry. He fights for our members as if they are his family - because they are. His wife is a fellow NJEA member and his children attend New Jersey public schools, so advocating for our members, our union and our schools is personal. As a candidate for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer, Henry is committed to bringing this same dedication to the state-level for all members.

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Pillars of the Campaign

Henry's campaign for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer is built upon his extensive leadership experience and his unwavering commitment to member-centered action. He is dedicated to meeting challenges head-on to ensure that members receive the dignity and security they rightfully deserve. He is committed to strengthening connections between members to amplify their sense of ownership of the union and increase our collective strength.

Leadership
Advocacy
Connection
Action

President NJEA County Presidents Council

  • NJEA Affiliated special interest group

 

President of Hillsborough Education Association - all inclusive local

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First Vice President of Somerset County education association

  • Officer liaison to county MOC

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NJEA Union School Graduate

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NJEA Government Relations Committee

  • Organized multiple successful political campaigns

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NJEA school funding committee

 

Former chair of NJEA Elections Committee

 

NEA Resolutions Committee

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Rutgers Movement Builders Academy

Governor’s Educator Shortage Task Force

 

Provided key testimony for school funding and educator evaluation bills

 

Authored critical resolution language for NEA centered on equity and justice

 

Pension Justice campaign

 

ESP Job Justice campaign

 

Chapter 78 campaign

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County Media Liaison

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Coauthored the NJEA Campaign Playbook that provides resources and guidance to locals seeking to endorse BOE candidates

Local LGBTQ+ Alliance

 

Local MOC

 

County MOC Officer liaison

 

Created events connecting multiple labor organizations to build coalitions including:

  • UFCW

  • ATU

  • Starbucks Workers United

  • Amazon

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Developed programs to connect NJREA members with locals/counties

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Collaborated with locals throughout NJ to organize a successful campaign to assist districts losing school funding

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Built community coalitions to support public education, students and educators

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Created connections between counties and Affiliated Special Interest Groups to foster solidarity and increase resources for members

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Negotiated one of the first contracts in NJ to get members out of Chapter 78

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Defended ESP members from attempts to privatize

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Helped create and pass bills on:

  • Funding for S2 districts

  • Certificate fee holiday

  • Educator evaluation

  • Educator shortage

  • Student teaching stipends

  • ESP job protections

  • Pension Equity

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Organized large rallies on:

  • Educator Safety

  • Chapter 78

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Stood with members facing attacks and book bans

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Organized successful campaigns to support referenda and endorsed-BOE candidates

​How will the campaign pillars inform goals for the NJEA?

LEADERSHIP

Leadership is not just about titles or certifications. It's about every member of the NJEA gaining a deeper understanding of our history, operations, and embracing their individual power. This is what makes us stronger.

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As a newly elected State Officer, one of my goals will be to develop and refine leadership training for members at all levels. While the NJEA currently offers training for new leaders, it's important to provide avenues for seasoned leaders to continue refining their practices and building connections with other members, locals, and counties.

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To ensure that all members feel ownership of our union and are empowered, I am committed to providing opportunities for leadership expansion. Members will be given the tools to successfully access the organization, including training in leadership and organizing concepts, as well as functional knowledge of our governing structure and Robert's Rules.

Advocacy

It's clear that the education profession is facing significant challenges, particularly in light of recent events. From the pandemic to attacks on public education, educators are navigating a difficult landscape. However, there is hope for change through legislative solutions, though they are dependent on the political climate in Trenton. It's important to address issues like pension equity and the right to teach the truth to ensure a brighter future for educators and students alike. Empowering our members is equally as important as seeking legislative changes.​

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I wholeheartedly believe that advocacy is a powerful tool for change. That's why we must strive to empower all members to engage in advocacy efforts. I understand that success comes from meeting members where they are and providing the necessary preparation and planning.

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Upon being elected, expanding advocacy training and building upon communication structures like the Advocates Update will be a central priority. This will ensure that members are informed, engaged, and empowered to make a difference.

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I am committed to galvanizing our members' unity and increasing our collective strength. The foundation of this must be built before crisis and we therefore must embrace  opportunities for members to collectively demonstrate their solidarity. This not only prepares our members for future actions and builds community, but it also is public displays our collective might.

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Connection

Creating a sense of community and connection among members is essential for any organization, but it is even more critical for a union prioritize this goal. By setting clear objectives that concentrate on increasing member engagement and interaction, we can foster a more collaborative environment that empowers members. 

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Whether it's through regular events, online forums, or other initiatives like demonstrations, my aim is to provide opportunities for members to connect, share ideas, and build solidarity.

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​The NJEA has made significant progress in fostering connections among its members and creating affinity groups that have empowered members to take ownership of their union. A key objective is to bring members together across different certifications and identities. As an Officer, I plan to establish a council of members that represents the diverse personal and professional identities of our members. This council will provide valuable insights to inform leadership decisions.

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I am committed to continuing and expanding work that has already begun such as establishing a mentoring support network between nontenured educators and members of the NJREA. We must also draw upon our Affiliated Special Interest Group network to connect with members who may not have found their place elsewhere or who are in need to support due to professional challenges - this would include media specialists, nurses, counselors and more.

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I am dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with other labor organizations to support our members and the labor movement as a whole. I am proud to have already established connections with NJ unions such as Starbucks Workers United, UFCW, Amazon, and ATU, and I will continue to cultivate these relationships if elected. By working together, we can achieve greater success and improve working conditions for all.​​

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With a strong sense of community and a commitment to connection, we can work to achieve our shared goals - especially protecting our members' rights and the promises made when we entered the profession.

Action

Activating members to take action is a crucial aspect of any successful organization, but must be a central of unionism. Whether it's encouraging members to attend events, take an online action, participate in a campaign, or attend a meeting to defend fellow members and our rights, the ability to motivate individuals to take action is essential for achieving our organizational goals. To effectively activate members, it's important to clearly communicate the purpose and impact of the action being taken and provide members with the ability to find success and community. This can be done through compelling messaging, storytelling, and highlighting the benefits of taking action. Additionally, providing clear and easy-to-follow steps for taking action can help remove barriers and increase participation.

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Based on the pillars outlined, compelling members to take action is the culmination of all areas. To ensure success, it's important to assess future plans based on how they benefit members, whether members are informed about the importance of the issue, if this knowledge has led to engagement, and how participation will empower members. By considering these concepts, we can create a compelling call to action that motivates members to take part in our initiatives.

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When planning action, it is critically important to recognize success and foster a culture of celebration. It is crucial to acknowledge the contributions of members and build a sense of community to encourage continued engagement. The NJEA Celebration of Women is a great example of this and can serve as a model for other events within the NJEA. By implementing these strategies, we can successfully activate members and amplify their engagement.​​

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