APC has several committees that help keep the union running smoothly, each with its own focus and purpose. These groups are made up of APC Stewards who volunteer their time to support Unit 4 employees across the CSU system.
One of those groups, the Policy & Procedures Committee, works mostly behind the scenes, but their impact is felt in just about everything the union does. They’re the ones who help make sure APC’s policies are consistent, up to date, and in line with our Constitution and Bylaws.
Juno Chambers, the committee’s current Chair, shares what the Policy & Procedures Committee role is at APC, what it does, and how policies and campus bylaws get reviewed and updated.
What the Policy & Procedures Committee Does
The Policy & Procedures Committee ensures that APC’s work stays in line with its Constitution, Bylaws, and formal policies. As Juno Chambers puts it, “The Constitution tells us what APC is. The Handbook tells us how APC functions.”
Some of the committee’s responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and editing proposed policy changes before they go to the APC Council.
- Helping stewards and campuses draft bylaws, motions, and amendments.
- Maintaining APC’s Handbook, which currently includes 53 formal policies and bylaws from 22 chapters.
“We’re not here to say yes or no to a policy,” Juno explained. “Our role is to make sure it’s ready to be considered properly by Council.”
Whether someone needs help drafting new language or clarifying an old policy, the committee acts as a support system and a resource. “We help with anything from officer elections to chapter funding to clarifying how a policy is applied,” Juno added.
Ultimately, the Policy & Procedures Committee helps ensure that APC’s decisions are grounded in fact—not guesswork.
How Policies Change
Every policy change at APC starts with a member bringing an idea forward, but there’s a structured process to make sure it’s reviewed, refined, and ready for a vote.
Any voting member APC (usually stewards) can propose a policy change. While it’s not required, members are strongly encouraged to consult the Policy & Procedures Committee first.
The committee works with the proposer to ensure the motion is clear, consistent with APC’s governing documents, and formatted correctly.
During Council meetings, motions can be amended on the floor through friendly or unfriendly amendments.
Sometimes, if a proposal raises new questions or needs more input, the discussion is paused so the member can consult further with the committee before bringing it back for a vote.
This process helps keep things moving while ensuring that new policies are thoughtful, workable, and grounded in APC’s shared goals.
How the Handbook Works
The APC Handbook is the go-to resource for how the union functions day to day. While the Constitution defines what APC is, the Handbook outlines how things are done.
- It includes 10 policy sections and 53 formal policies that guide everything from officer roles to Council meeting procedures.
- Each campus (or chapter) also maintains its own bylaws, currently 22, which are reviewed by the Policy & Procedures Committee to ensure consistency with APC’s policies.
- Policies are amended when something needs to be updated or clarified. New ones are created as new issues come up.
- Some policies stay the same for years, while others like chapter funding or officer stipends are reviewed more often depending on union needs.
As Juno shared, the goal is not to make the Handbook perfect, but to make it useful, clear, and aligned with APC’s values.
Meet Juno Chambers
- Juno has been with CSU since 2021 and is the Lead Academic Advisor in the College of Engineering at San Diego State.
- Joined APC immediately and became a steward in 2022. Currently serves as Chief Steward at SDSU.
- Also serves on the External Relations Committee and APC’s Bargaining Team.
Why Juno Joined the Committee
- Inspired by Christine McCarthy’s energy and deep union knowledge.
- Wanted to better understand APC’s structure and contribute to improving transparency and consistency.
- Finds satisfaction in helping members ground decisions in fact, not hearsay, by referencing governing documents.
What Members Should Know
The Policy & Procedures Committee helps ensure that APC operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its governing rules. Its work supports clear decision-making and consistency across campuses, providing structure for everything from local bylaws to union-wide motions.
Juno encourages members who are curious about how APC functions, or who want to help shape the union’s internal processes, to consider getting involved. The first step is reaching out to your campus steward to learn more about future opportunities to serve.
Meet Mario Baeza
- Mario has been with CSU since 1990 and is a Counselor and the Admissions and Outreach Coordinator for the Educational Opportunity Program at California State University, San Bernardino.
- Joined APC shortly after being hired and became a steward in 2009. Currently he serves as Chief Steward at CSUSB and as Council Member at Large on the Executive Board.
- Also serves on the Communications and Organizing Committees, as well as the APC’s Bargaining Team.
Why Mario Joined the Committee
As the newest member, I’m drawn to the Policy & Procedures Committee because I believe that solid, clearly written policies are what give our union its backbone. They keep us focused, fair, and functioning. Even though much of this committee’s work happens out of the spotlight, it has a real and lasting impact by helping chapters and stewards update their by-laws and making sure any new proposals are in-line with both our Constitution and our shared values.
I’ve always been someone who enjoys getting into the weeds and figuring out how things work and helping others make sense of complicated systems. What I value about this committee is that it’s not about gatekeeping; it’s about making sure good ideas are sound, actionable, and ready for the Council’s review. I have been part of that behind-the-scenes process by formatting the Policy and Procedures Handbook for the past 10 years as a member of the Executive Board, but now being an official member of the committee, I can provide more input.
Being part of this group also gives me a chance to keep learning more about how APC runs internally, and to contribute to keeping our governance strong, clear, and forward-looking.
Other members of the committee include:
Tammy Worthington, Stanislaus
Darly Evans, Dominguez Hills
APC thanks all committee members who volunteer their time to help the union grow and support Unit 4. If you are a steward and interested in serving on a committee, reach out to the committee chair.