Published: August 6, 2018

For years, administrative staff at Portland State University would hold “Top of the Class” events where admin would honor classified staff. Over time, as administrations and staff grew and evolved, the “Top of the Class” tradition began to fade. In 2017, Office Specialist and longtime member leader Lisa Sablan joined forces with former Office Specialist Megan Simon to throw their own Top of the Class event. Over 300 staff attended the event, including PSU President Rahmat Shoureshi.

Lisa and Megan realized there was a need for a stronger sense of community on campus. Out of that need, PSU’s Campus Action Team developed monthly “Take Back Your Break (TBYB)” events encouraging PSU staff to get up and away from their desks to bond and build community. Each month, the Campus Action Team identifies which worksite needs support and puts out the call to a dedicated team of TBYB volunteers to bring food, refreshments, and make themselves available to PSU staff in ten minute shifts between 10am and 11am for one day out of the month.

Though TBYB events are not explicitly used for union activity, much of the work that won President Shoureshi’s support around inclement weather took place during TBYB events in early 2018. Being visible and accessible provides potential new members opportunities to get involved while at the same time taking ownership of their allotted ten minute break time.

Over the course of nine months, TBYB has transformed from a simple coffee and donuts meet and greet, to full on unity breaks and outdoor activities, building communities and relationships to improve the worklife of all PSU members.