Posts Tagged ‘Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan’

According to the Chase’s Calender of Events, September is “Be Kind To Editors and Writers Month.”

Use Chase’s Calendar of Events to connect celebrated dates with your name and your themes and issues — for broadcasters, journalists, event planners, public relations professionals, librarians, editors, writers, or simply the curious.

McGraw-Hill publishes the 752-page book  with CD-ROM.  The abbreviated list of  Events/Special Months is at McGraw Hill Professional

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan Celebrates “Be Kind To Editors and Writers Month”

POETS  & WRITERS Magazine names Martha Alderson‘s The Plot Whisperer as one of the Best Books for Writers.

Best Books for Writers

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Martha Alderson Published in 2011 by Adams Media The author provides insight on how to create works of fiction with powerful stories and focuses on how to devise a Universal Plot, plot lines and subplots, compelling scenes, and character transformation. ** **

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Sincerely,

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

author of:

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (the workbook)

Love Made of Heart (the mother-daughter novel used in college composition classes; book is archived at the San Francisco History Center)

Answer Me Now  (the award-winning short play)

and speeches advocating mental health and end violence against women and children

Click here for a list of Coach Teresa’s event.

http://writingcoachTeresa.com  for more resources.

Coach Teresa says: “Wear the dual hats of writer and promoter. Reach out, not stress out.”

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s August 28, 2013 Open Letter to First Lady Michelle Obama, California Governor Jerry Brown, Newspaper Editors, and Community

Dear Folks,

This is a follow-up to my June 30, 2013 open letter to you.

The workers (AFSCME Local 2428) of East Bay Regional Park District showed up at EBRPD board meetings and spoke during public comment periods.  Their family members, friends and other advocates sent emails, wrote letters, made phone calls (expressing their concern) to EBRPD Board Members and the General Manager.

Workers had rejected the Park District’s June 4th proposal after mediation. Employees’ buying power had eroded by 11.5% over the past four years while managers received merit increases (through board resolutions).

Everyone’s speaking up for fairness, Local 2428 Negotiations Team’s perseverance, and Union Members’ commitment to proceed with work-stoppage if the Park District did not return to the bargaining table . . . inspired solidarity.  Supporters of workers were planning on being in the picket lines with Local 2428.  Thank you, Community!

On July 1st, the Park District and Local 2428 Negotiations Team reached “tentative agreement” thus preempted the strike.

Union members ratified the agreement on July 17th; the park district board members ratified it on August 13th.

Employees’ concerns and actions to watch out for coworkers as well as future employees (who would be walking into the Park District after contract ratification) also inspired hope and compassion.

The media had printed incomplete and incorrect information about EBRPD employee salaries and proposed offers. As E.B. White’s Charlotte-the-spider who saved Wilbur’s life said: “…people are very gullible.”  and “… People believe almost anything they see in print…”  If you want the truths, ask the employees and also review annual reports.

Again, thank you to all advocates of fair labor practices!

Sincerely,

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

author of:

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (the workbook)

Love Made of Heart (the mother-daughter novel used in college composition classes; book is archived at the San Francisco History Center)

Answer Me Now  (the award-winning short play)

and speeches advocating mental health and end violence against women and children

Click here for a list of Coach Teresa’s event.

http://writingcoachTeresa.com  for more resources.

Coach Teresa says: “Wear the dual hats of writer and promoter. Reach out, not stress out.”

If you have seen newspaper articles / news on TV about possible strike on July 4th & 5th at East Bay Regional Parks OR received a mysterious letter (…or read it on EBRPD website) from the general manager at East Bay Regional Park District . . . please do NOT be fooled by misinformation.  Please ask questions and use your mighty voices to express your concern for fair treatment to ALL employees of a public agency that is thriving because of YOUR property taxes (Measure WW), YOUR patronage, YOUR support, and 600+ employees’ dedication and labor.  Please ask the 7 EBRPD board members to ”Give your employees a fair contract now.”  (Their contact information is listed below.)

It’s so easy for us to complain “Oh how inconvenient . . . that this group and that group are going on strike.”  Workers do not go on strike for the fun of it.  Workers do not get paid when they go on strike; they are the ones who are severely inconvenienced. The universal desire to receive fair compensation for labor (in order to provide for our families, loved ones, and ourselves) makes us human.  This great nation has a long history of speaking up and speaking out for what is fair.  We are Americans, thank goodness    We, the workers, are speaking up and speaking out!

On June 27, 2013, General Manager of East Bay Regional Park District sent “A Message to our Community – Possible Employee Strike Action at Regional Parks on July 4-5″  That document from the general manager contains incorrect and misleading information.

As I read the “Message” from the GM . . .  lines from E. B. White’s children book Charlotte’s Web came to mind.

“What are you thinking about, Charlotte?” Wilbur asked.

“I was just thinking,” said the spider, “that people are very gullible.”

“What does ‘gullible’ mean?”

“Easy to fool,” said Charlotte.

If we are to read the GM’s “Message” and accept the document as the whole truth (without conducting fact-checking), then, yes, we are gullible.

The ”Message” says that the District is offering an overall pay increase of 8.5% over a four-year contract. What his message doesn’t say is that employees’ buying power has eroded by 11.5% over the past four years.

The District is offering 2% wage increase for July 1, 2013–March 31, 2014 (previous contract has already expired on March 31, 2013) while 2013 Consumer Price Index is 2.4%.

CPI figures confirmed by http://www.bls.gov/ro9/9240.pdf

2010 2.4%

2011 2.1%

2012 3.5%

2013 2.4%

GM’s Message says: ” . . . current average total compensation (wages and benefits) for the basic park maintenance worker as a Park Ranger 2 with a high school education and three years of service is $102,000.” What GM’s Message doesn’t say is that (according to District’s website) the minimum monthly salary for Park Ranger II is $4,310.80 and maximum monthly salary is $4,693.87.  Office Assistant/Senior Office Assistant min. salary $3,800.88/month; max. salary $4,286.75/month. And, those salary figures are gross, not net.

Ask a Park Ranger II or Office Assistant what his/her take-home pay is.

Ask a Park Ranger II or Office Assistant what losing 11.5% buying-power over the past four years means in terms of paying:

• rent or mortgage and property tax
• food
• utilities
• hygiene products & clothing
• transportation or gasoline, car maintenance and insurance
• home owner or tenant’s insurance
• doctor-visit co-pays
• living expense for dependents

What the GM’s ”Message” doesn’t say is that while the EBRPD board members approve “merit increases” for managers . . . the job classifications and salary schedules for many non-management positions are outdated.

EBRPD is a special district (not state, not city). The District reports 2012 General Fund revenues exceeded expenditures by $9.7 million, or 10%, which means General Fund revenues grew by $3.4 million. In 2011, General Fund revenues exceeded expenditures by $9.3 million. In other words, the Park District is indeed financially healthy. Even during the recession, the District had a surplus of $5 million. Why erode skilled and loyal employees’ wages/benefits/buying power?

HOW CAN WE SAY “Thank you” to the employees who make East Bay regional parks and trails safe, clean and beautiful?  Write or email the 7 EBRPD board members (names and addresses below)  a simple note:  “Give your employees a fair contract now.” and cc: Local 2428 President. IF employees do go on strike, please give them smiles and  say “Thank you” when you are entering the park on July 4th and 5th. Join them on the picket lines.

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On June 26, 2013 AFSCME Local 2428 had released this statement: AFSCME LOCAL 2428 EAST BAY PARK WORKERS ARE PREPARING TO STRIKE JULY 4TH AND 5TH FOR A FAIR CONTRACT

WHY WOULD WE GO ON STRIKE ?

•We are trying to reach a fair contract with our employer the EBRPD. If we do not reach agreement by the evening of July 3rd, then, yes, we shall proceed with work-stoppage on July 4th and 5th; Local 2428 had already notified the public last week; mediation session is scheduled for July 1st, 2013.

•Our wages are 17% less than our counterparts in other public agencies.

•The District’s offer does not keep pace with inflation (our buying power has already eroded by 11.5% over the past four years)

•The District’s offer amounts to a net wage increase of 1.125% each year over 4 years; if CPI stays at 2.4% each year, we would fall further and further behind.

•If Board Members grant merit increases to one group of employees (highest-paid group), then it’s only fair to not erode the wages of the lower-paid groups.

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What is Local 2428 Negotiations Team asking on behalf of their 600+ members?

a 3-year contract April 1, 2013 — March 31, 2016 that offers:

•Year 1 – current CPI of 2.4 plus 1% = 3.4%

•Year 2 – CPI plus 1.75% — with 2.5% floor / 4.75% ceiling

•Year 3 – CPI plus 1.75% — with 2.5% floor / 4.75% ceiling

Since no one can predict future years’ CPI, percentages for floors and ceiling are used.

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 Here are names and email addresses of the 7 EBRPD Board Members and General Manager:

“EBRPD Board President John Sutter” <jsutter@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Vice President Ayn Wieskamp” <awieskamp@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Secretary Ted Radke”  <tradke@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Treasurer Whitney Dotson” <wdotson@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Beverly Lane” <blane@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Doug Siden” <dsiden@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Carol Severin” <cseverin@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD GM Robert E. Doyle” <bdoyle@ebparks.org>

Please cc   “AFSCME Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha” local2428negotiations@gmail.com  510-566-5985

U.S. mailing address to Board Members and General Manager: EBRPD Board, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), extension 2020 for Clerk of the Board

Please cc Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha: Local 2428 East Bay Parks, 80 Swan Way, Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94621 Tel: 510-566-5985

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Yes, I am one of the 276 employees who voted “NO” to the District’s proposed contract that would further diminish my buying power and narrow negotiating parameters for future contracts.

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I cheer for all EBRPD coworkers (Local 2428 members, seasonal and temporary employees, management, confidentials, public safety) current and future, retirees, volunteers, family, friends, neighbors, Alameda County and Contra Costa County property tax payers, advocates of Measure WW, EBRPD board members, all EBRPD park and trail users, all the Charlotte(s), Wilbur(s), Templeton(s), and Fern(s)!

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Thank you, Local 2428 Executive Board, Negotiations Team, and Business Manager Brenda Wood!

I am Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, asking YOU to also speak up for current and future East Bay Regional Park District workers. Do NOT be fooled by misinformation from the GM’s Message or the media.  Please ask questions and use your mighty voices.

I thank you!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

• Berkeley resident
• tax payer
• user of EBRPD parks and trails
• supporter of Measure WW
• part-time Sr. Office Assistant for EBRPD
• fan of all employees at EBRPD
• published author and writing coach

http://writingcoachTeresa.com for more resources for writers and readers

Has it been a year already since my colleagues and I witnessed our 10-minute plays produced at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, California?  Photos at: http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/coach-teresa-leyung-ryan-says-i-love-being-in-the-performing-arts-theater-world/

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan cheering for Redwood Writers, Playwrights, Lennie Dean, Linda Loveland Reid, 6th Street Playhouse!

http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/guides/season-201213/invited-artists/redwood-writers-10-minute-play-festival/

Redwood Writers has announced the seven winning playwrights of their 3nd Annual 10-Minute Play Contest.  Teaming up again this year with 6th Street Playhouse, all seven plays will be produced in an intimate setting in the 6th Street Studio Theatre, Santa Rosa, CA.
7 playwrights, 7 plays, 6 directors and 10 actors bring you this year’s delectable offerings.

Play Festival

Festivities of the Fest!

(Clockwise from left) Lynn Millar, Tony Sciullo, Darrell Grisham, Scott Lummer, Jean Wong, Kay Mehl Miller. (Jack Fender not pictured)

Click Here For Flyer

• Full production of the 10-Minute Plays! 7 playwrights, 7 plays, 6 directors and 10 actors bring you this year’s delectable offerings.
June 27-30, 2013 (Cost: $18)

• Staged Readings: Full-length plays written by the judges of this year’s 10-Minute Play Contest: June 2, June 8 & July 21 (Donations accepted)

• The 10-Minute Play–Taking It To the Next Level: Join internationally produced playwright and founding writer with PlayGround, Garret Jon Groenveld, in a two-hour workshop exploring the ins and outs of the 10-Minute Play. We’ll look at strategies to push your 10-Minute Play to the next level, delving into techniques that innovate with structure, character & dialogue. Stretch your writing muscles with in-class exercises & a follow-up discussion of what to do with the play once you’ve written it. June 29, 11 a.m. (Cost: $10)

• Audience Favorite: Cast your vote! You the audience will have the opportunity to vote for your favorite play; the winning playwright, director and cast will be awarded during the final event of the Fest. Award presented June 30 at Meet the Playwright.
(Free Event!)

• Meet the Playwrights, Q & A: Following the final performance of the 10-Minute Plays, the playwrights will participate in an audience Q&A. June 30 @ 4:30 p.m. (Free event!)

*For showtimes, please check the website at www.6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Lennie Dean

The 10-Minute Plays Recipient of Sonoma County Grant, Festival Director, Lennie Dean

Get the details!
To purchase tickets and for more 
information, visit our website at 
www.6thstreetplayhouse.com or 
call Box Office at (707) 523-4185 ext. 1.

The Plays:

• The Bucket by Jack Fender
• Crossroads by Darrell Grisham
• Starbucks on Broadway by Scott Lummer
• The Art of the Matter by Lynn Millar
• Intervention by Kay Mehl Miller
• Open House by Tony Sciullo
• Hot Water by Jean Wong

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Maureen Studer’s invitation:

Welcome to 2013 Playwrights Festival.  Everyone loves playing to a full house.

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here . . .  This is why I love my work.

Writers of Science Fiction and Fantasy, check out Laurel Anne Hill; see how she builds her magnificent platform!

Laurel also thanks her mentor Charlotte Cook of KOMENAR Publishing. Heroes Arise, Laurel’s debut parable, was released in October 2007.  ForeWord Magazine selected Heroes Arise for a Book of the Year Award for 2007 (bronze, science fiction).

Laurel Anne Hill

Upcoming Events in 2013:

• May 24-27; BayCon Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention, Hyatt Regency, Santa Clara, CA; Guest and panelist.
• June 8, 9, 10 & 15: San Mateo County Fair at San Mateo Fairgrounds, CA; Guest presenter.
• August 29 – September 2; World Science Fiction Convention, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX; Attending member.
• October 8-10; OryCon Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention, Lloyd Center Doubletree Inn, Portland, OR; Guest and panelist.
• October 31 – November 3; World Fantasy Convention, Brighton, England, Attending member.

Cheers to Laurel Anne Hill, Heroes Arise, author of science fiction and fantasy, writing contest sponsor, contributing author for anthologies!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

author of:

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (the workbook)

Love Made of Heart (the mother-daughter novel used in college composition classes; book is archived at the San Francisco History Center)

Answer Me Now  (the award-winning short play)

and speeches advocating mental health and end violence against women and children

Click here for a list of Coach Teresa’s event.

http://writingcoachTeresa.com  for more resources. Coach Teresa says: “Wear the dual hats of writer and promoter. Reach out, not stress out.”

Next EBRPD public board meeting – Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 2:00pm,  2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA

Let’s all be there to express our concerns.  

When you  speak, our board members do listen.

Great slogans, let’s practice fairness too!   EBRPD Board Members, Please be fair to the Workers who walk the talk of “Healthy Parks Healthy People” at East Bay Regional Park District’s Open Space, Parks, and Trails in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, CA.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

If you cannot voice your opinion in person at the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) public board meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 2:00pm (I shall be there by 1:00pm with coworkers) at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, please use your mighty voices (before or after May 7th)  with your emails or regular mail.  Tell your friends and neighbors.   When you  speak, our board members do listen.

In the literacy community, I am known as Writing Coach Teresa who speaks up for public libraries and public schools.  I am also an employee of the East Bay Regional Park District.  My coworkers and I need your help if you believe in fairness.

Please join me in emailing the Park District board members (I’ve made it easy for you by providing their email addresses) and asking them to be fair to the workers who walk the talk/ who deliver what board members and management have pledged in the Park District’s  Core Mission statement ” and the Dedicated to Quality of Life Community Report: A Look Back at 2012; A Look Ahead to 2013 

While workers took hits to our take-home pay over the previous two-year contract, management gave themselves a raise (but called it a different name)

Workers’ buying power has eroded by 11.5% over the past four years.

We the workers care about our volunteers and everyone who visit us at our parks, trails and open space. We’re asking the board members to care about us by practicing fairness.

One simple email from you (to the folks listed below) would be greatly appreciated by me and my coworkers.

1. Pop the addresses into the “To” line of your email so that you’re sending only one email, not nine; depending on your email provider, you may have to add commas or semicolons to separate the addresses.
2. In the subject line, you might insert   “Park District Workers”
3. In the body of the email, express your experience at a regional park, trail, open space (or services you’ve received over the phone or email) and ask the board members to be fair to the workers who walk the talk of “Healthy Parks Healthy People”

“EBRPD Board President John Sutter” <jsutter@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Vice President Ayn Wieskamp” <awieskamp@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Secretary Ted Radke”  <tradke@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Treasurer Whitney Dotson” <wdotson@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Beverly Lane” <blane@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Doug Siden” <dsiden@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Carol Severin” <cseverin@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD GM Robert E. Doyle” <bdoyle@ebparks.org>

“AFSCME Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha” local2428negotiations@gmail.com  Tel:  510-566-5985

U.S. mailing address to Board Members and General Manager:    EBRPD Board, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605    1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), extension 2020

U.S. mailing address to Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha:  Local 2428 East Bay Parks, 80 Swan Way, Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94621;   Tel:  510-566-5985

    embrace life!   Great slogans, let’s practice fairness too!

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 More information  from AFSCME Local 2428 East Bay Parks:

The AFSCME Local 2428 contract with the EBRPD expired on March 31, 2013 and the District declared an impasse seventeen days later on April 17, 2013.  Prior to impasse declaration, the Union had already filed an Unfair Practice Charge against the District for bad faith bargaining.

Our Rangers IIs are compensated at an average of nearly $6.00/hr. than their counterparts in other East Bay agencies. Our Senior Office Assistants are compensated at an average of nearly $5.00/hr. than comparable positions.

We the Union Employees are seeking a three-year contract that keeps pace with inflation and provides for wage increases that would offset any additional contributions made to retirement while maintaining current health insurance benefits.

The District can well afford a fair contract.  Revenues continue to grow and exceed expenses–boosting a healthy General Fund balance to levels equal to 48% of budget.

While workers took hits to our take-home pay over the previous two-year contract, management gave themselves a raise (but called it a different name)

Workers’ buying power has eroded by 11.5% over the past four years.

Workers were given only two 1% COLA over the past four years;  the 1% didn’t even go into effect until April 1, 2012 which was the second year of the two-year contract that ended March 31, 2013 . . .  while CPI were:

2010  2.4%

2011  2.1%

2012  3.5%

2013  2.4%

These figures are confirmed by  http://www.bls.gov/ro9/9240.pdf

The Park District Board approved “Affirming that Retiree Health Benefits Provided to Management and Confidential Employees Hired or Promoted before January 1, 2003 Were Intended to Be and Are Vested in Said Employees”

while imposing a contract to Workers that:

* offers no wage increases

* forces Employees to pay 2% more toward retirement in violation of the new pension law

* attacks Employees’ rights to vested benefits such as retiree medical

* forces Employees to pay even more for health insurance

According to Approved Minutes Board Meeting Dec. 4, 2012

C-1-d. Affirming that Retiree Health Benefits Provided to Management and Confidential 
Employees Hired or Promoted before January 1, 2003 Were Intended to Be and 
Are Vested in Said Employees
Resolution No. 2012 – 12 – 277 

According to Approved Minutes Board Meeting Dec. 4, 2012

C-1-e. Approval to Modify Management Job Classifications, Titles and Salary Ranges Within the Planning/Stewardship and Development Division

Resolution No. 2012 – 12 – 278 
Director Siden asked why it was necessary to take action today since the study results are still pending.

AGM Mike Anderson explained that staff is trying to get the Chief of Stewardship position filled;

GM Doyle added that it will take some time to go through the hiring process and staff would like the new Chief to be involved in the reorganization process.

According to Approved Minutes Board Meeting August 14, 2012

C-1-z. Approval to Establish the Classification of and the Salary Range for Accounting Manager 

Resolution No. 2012 – 08 – 213 
By motion of Director Wieskamp and seconded by Director Dotson, the Board voted unanimously to adopt Item C-1-z.

Directors Present: Whitney Dotson, Beverly Lane, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, John Sutter, Ayn Wieskamp.
Directors Absent: Ted Radke.

Cliff Rocha, President of AFSCME local 2428, proposed an alternative to the new Accounting Manager position
discussed at Meet and Confer that will keep the position within the bargaining unit to create an opportunity for
promotion for existing union members. At the same time, it would allow work to be done for less cost.
Mr. Rocha provided the current job description of the Assistant Finance Officer to the Board, who he indicated
is responsible for preparing the CAFR.

Brenda Wood, Business Agent for AFSCME Local 2428, asked the Board to vote against this item as the Union
has concerns that the internal process for a new job description was not followed.

Matt Harray, Water Management Assistant, stated that this proposal for a new position lacks vision, and that
Management should fix the District infrastructure.

Sue Kyle, Administrative Analyst, stated that there will be a change in FTE’s contrary to what was written in the
material and that there is no available funding for this position.

AGM Collins stated that the Board material explained that the District has expanded in capacity and complexity
in the past 30 years. CFO Rubaloff responded that there are three managerial positions and explained their
current and expected duties.

Director Wieskamp added that the Assistant Finance Officer has done a tremendous job and sees the need for
the reorganization and that any reorganization plan will still be discussed with the Union. Director Sutter
commented that he has tremendous respect for the CFO and is convinced that there is need to have someone
prepare the CAFR.

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AFSCME Local 2428 East Bay Parks

We are the more than 600 park district employees who are responsible for designing and maintaining park lands and trails; developing naturalist and stewardship programs; and providing fire protection and water safety at the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD).

President: Cliff Rocha
Vice President:Mark Pearson
Secretary: Christina Garcia
Treasurer: Sue Kyle

Eboard At Large
Sharon Corkin
Matthew Harray
William Nichols
Sergeant-At-Arms
Dave Kalahele

Trustees
Marie Arnerich
Donna Cuoco
Greg Mueller

Business Agent - Brenda Wood

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Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan Asking You to Please Use Your Mighty Voices to Ask EBRPD Board Members to Be Fair to Workers.

Thank  you!

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here to encourage all writers to make your names synonymous with the issues you write about, whether  you’re writing fiction or nonfiction.

I learned about the community of Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO) http://www.fescofamilyshelter.org from author/columnist Yolande Barial http://just-a-mom.us

16th Annual  ”Shelter Shuffle: Striding Toward Home”  is just weeks away

Have you registered for the Shelter Shuffle yet? This year’s goal is $75,000.00 and we need your help to ensure we not only meet, but exceed $75,0000.00. The Shelter Shuffle will take place Saturday, May 18th, 2013, 9:00 A. M. at Meek Park in Hayward, CA. Join hundreds of supporters at this family-friendly, dog-friendly 5K walk! Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch, live band and free tours of the Meek Mansion by the Hayward Area Historical Society .

To register today, please go to www.firstgiving.com/fesco/2013  or call 510-886-5473 to have a paper registration form mailed to your house.

The Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO) http://www.fescofamilyshelter.org helps homeless families move toward self-sufficiency. Every year, we provide shelter and transitional housing to 300 individuals (80 families) and support to an additional 300 alumni living in the community. We serve families of all configurations. While staying with us, families receive nutritious meals, mental health counseling, housing placement assistance, and focused support to help them identify a path to self-sufficiency and progress to their goals. More than 85% of our families move on to more permanent housing. More of our funding comes from community support than from any other source.

Coach Teresa here.  At the San Francisco Writers Conference, Elisa Sasa Southard and I presented “GETTING TO FIRST BASE BY BUILDING YOUR FANBASE”

In our interactive session, Talking-Tagline Guru Sasa asked me: “Coach Teresa…What is a platform?”

I responded: “Before I define ‘platform,’ let’s talk about fans and what fans do for you.  Fans tell their friends about you.  Fans will pay to see you; they will buy what you have produced; they listen when you speak.  Your name hooks their attention.

“So, how does one build a fanbase?  By making your platform consistent. A platform is not something you step on, it is what you stand for.  Help your fans find you by articulating the themes and issues you care about/write about.”

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I am a fan of many fine writers, with last names starting with A to Z.  From Chinua Achebe, Luisa Adams, Martha Alderson, Jane Austen . . .  to Margie Yee Webb, E. B. White, Anzia Yezierska, and two hundred other authors, including Scott James (fellow presenter at San Francisco Writers Conference).

Scott James writes novels under the name of Kemble Scott; I heard about Kemble when his first novel SoMa was published by Kensington Publishing Corporation New York (also my publisher for my first novel). Scott James, the journalist, writes about San Francisco, including contributions to the New York Times.

I am a fan because Scott James speaks/writes eloquently. His latest article is enlightening and compelling.

Scott says:  The latest of my new columns on Medium is now up. This one is on gay marriage, and gets a bit personal.  It’s called “My Big Gay Shotgun Wedding.”

Since I am a fan, I shall tell my friends about Scott’s columns.

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan cheering for you!

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan cares about helping fiction and nonfiction writers build their platforms and work on their craft simultaneously with ease.  She says: “Wear the dual hats as promoter and writer and be happily published. Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”

http://writingcoachTeresa.com

Dear colleague Marie Elena Gaspari has moved to Michigan to inspire her new community. I remember the first time I witnessed her teaching a poetry workshop at the Jack London Writing Camp for Kids; she’s the kind of teacher who recognizes individuality and knows that there are at least seven ways of learning.

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Marie Elena Gaspari’s website for all her classes: http://www.moonflowercreations.org

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Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan cheering for you!

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan cares about helping fiction and nonfiction writers build their platforms and work on their craft simultaneously with ease.  She says: “Wear the dual hats as promoter and writer and be happily published. Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”

http://writingcoachTeresa.com