We’ve been highly productive at CCSO Headquarters this summer, driven by the renewed sense of connection and optimism about our organization’s future that we felt during our annual Conference.

One key way we’re building on that momentum is through our new, collaborative working groups. The SRN II working group, which launched earlier this year, is already underway and making progress on addressing concerns raised by our Supervising Registered Nurse II members. We also recently formed a financial review group composed of Board members who review quarterly expenditures, address financial questions and serve as an added safeguard to ensure the organization’s fiscal health. Additionally, we’re preparing to assemble a chapter presidents working group this fall that will oversee bylaw revisions and help address specific issues affecting members within their chapters.

The goal of these groups is to increase involvement, encourage shared ownership of the organization and establish a hands-on approach to addressing the issues we face by delegating responsibilities more broadly. I’m really excited about their potential to strengthen both the services we offer and the representation we provide to our membership.

Along with our working groups, we’re also focused on raising CCSO’s profile and increasing our visibility across the state by participating in and supporting more community and chapter events. We want our members to know that your organization is always representing you — whether it’s at a staff appreciation event, fundraiser or other special gathering, we’ll be there. We also aim to continue supporting organizations and programs that resonate with our members. Recently, we sponsored and supported the Women in Law Enforcement Symposium and have been actively involved in Bring Your Child to Work Day and various health care events. We’re also proud to be co-sponsoring CDCR’s upcoming Medal of Valor Awards.

This kind of exposure is important because, in many cases, labor organizations aren’t always visible in their communities. I believe it’s vital for CSSO to show up at these events and demonstrate that we’re more than just a labor organization — we’re here to support everyone.

In order for us to show up for our members, fellow organizations and community in this way, our finances need to be solid. As I’ve shared in previous messages, we were awarded a lump sum in the walk-time case. I’m happy to report that we’ve been investing that money in a wealth management account to grow alongside our organization. This move will, without a doubt, help strengthen us financially. In the past, we kept our funds in a variety of banks, but that approach didn’t allow the money to grow. By partnering with a wealth management group, we’re now able to better manage our funds and work toward a more profitable return. The Board receives quarterly updates on the account, and so far, I’m pleased to share that the investment has proven to be very successful over the past year.

Last, but certainly not least, we’re excited to announce the establishment of a health care program specifically for our custody members. In the past, CCSO did not have such a program, while our counterparts did. As a smaller organization, creating a viable health care option has been challenging. We are now proud to be partnering with the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) and its Insurance and Benefits Trust (IBT) to offer a solid plan for custody members and retirees.

After discussing the proposal with our chapter presidents, they voted to approve CCSO moving forward. One of the key benefits of this plan is improved support for members working in rural institutions where health care options are limited. It also provides out-of-state coverage for members who relocate outside California and is more cost-effective than some plans currently offered by our counterparts.

I want to emphasize that, for now, this plan is intended for custody members. We will explore the option for non-custody members if we see an expressed need; however, in many cases, our non-custody members have access to better health care coverage than custody members.

As we move into the fall season, we will continue working hard to strengthen our organization, and I will keep you updated on the progress of our ongoing initiatives. Thank you for your continued support, your involvement and your trust in me. Together, we’ll take CCSO to new heights.