My name is Michelle Dawson and I am a candidate for Assistant Director for Region 2. I have been a Union Steward for 3 years at my worksite, at Avamere Eugene Rehab. As an indigenous woman, I have worked incredibly hard to change my circumstances and take my power back. As Assistant Director for Region 2, I want to empower all of our members to take their power back and change their circumstances, just as I have done. I am deeply concerned by Covids impact on SEIU 503 members, and indigenous communities. The biggest issue our union is going to face during my term in office is hazard pay for our members. All around our State, SEIU members are providing essential services to all who reside in Oregon. It is essential that we build a strong culture of unity at our worksites to win hazard pay for our members. My goal as your Assistant Director, is to recruit members into leadership roles who are more representative of our union, particularly from indigenous communities. As a citizen of the Chippewa Nation, and SEIU 503 member, I promise to help members change their circumstances as I have done in my own life.