From Helena Worthen, National Writers Union, HELU Media/Comms committee
Many small local organizations of higher ed workers have tiny (or deficit) discretionary budgets. HELU needs these locals because local campuses are where labor has real traction, but HELU also needs to pay our staff, our internet and zoom bills, and so on. Conversely, small locals need HELU for solidarity in the fight for survival but can’t afford to pay a solidarity pledge.
The National Education Association (NEA) has offered grants to local affiliates to enable them to join HELU by paying half of their solidarity pledge for one year. The grant letter went out on May 6, 2025 and initial deadlines have passed, although the opportunity may re-open. However, this public signal of support for HELU as a wall-to-wall and coast-to-coast organizing project will have an ongoing impact, not just for the locals that received grants but for HELU which will incorporate new locals as active members.
The announcement said that locals would be expected to “develop engagement and growth goals for your local supported by realistic plans including HELU participation” and, “based upon positive experience within HELU,” take over full payment of solidarity pledges after the first year. This is an organizational challenge to HELU to create ways for local affiliates to engage in ways that pay off not just at the national level but locally, on campuses where members of local affiliates will see results.
With 238 bargaining units representing faculty, grad students, and professional staff, the NEA is the largest union in higher ed, but over 80% of its membership is in K-12.