What is the role of the Organizing Committee for APC?
The mission of the APC Organizing Committee is to recruit and educate CSU Unit 4 employees on the benefits of the union and their rights within the CSU, which will build better working conditions through employee empowerment for all.
The committee carries out this mission by developing standardized materials for New Employee Orientation (NEO), supporting campus stewards in their recruitment efforts, and providing resources to help members fully engage with the union.
How long has the committee been around?
The Organizing Committee was established by the APC Council in 2007. Initially focused on organizing efforts within the CSU community, the committee’s name was changed to the Mobilizing Committee in 2010 to better reflect its evolving mission. In 2019, the committee returned to its original name, signifying a renewed commitment to recruitment and education, and a proactive approach to strengthening union membership. Over the years, the committee has continuously adapted its strategies to meet the needs of APC and its members.
To give you more insight into the Organizing Committee, members of the committee share their thoughts on their roles, experiences, and what drives their commitment to APC.
Committee Member Rose Duran
How long have you been with CSU, and what campus are you at?
“I’ve been with CSU for over 24 years, primarily at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where I work in Extended Ed as an Academic Program Administrator.”
How long have you been with APC, and how long as a Steward?
“I’ve been a member of APC for most of my career and have served as a Steward for many years. In 2015, I was appointed to the position of APC Recording Secretary on the Executive Board.”
Why did you want to serve on the Organizing Committee?
“As the former Chair of the Organizing Committee, my primary focus was always on increasing membership and strengthening our collective voice. Mario and I spearheaded the transformation of the committee from the Mobilizing Committee to the Organizing Committee, with the goal of engaging both Stewards and members in recruitment efforts. We worked tirelessly, visiting campuses, creating standardized documents, and supporting Stewards. Our efforts were driven by a shared belief that we are stronger together, and by a commitment to building a more unified APC. While I’m no longer the Chair, I’m proud to continue serving on the committee and contributing to its mission.”
What do you want members to know?
“I want members to understand the importance of unity. It’s not just about what you get for that 1%—it’s about being part of a collective voice that stands up for better working conditions, pay, and rights. When we stand together, we’re stronger. But if we’re divided, we risk losing everything we’ve fought for. I’ve always believed that when you’re ready to fight for something, there needs to be someone behind you, supporting you. That’s what it means to be a member of APC. Our work on the Organizing Committee, including the successful membership drives we conducted, was all about ensuring that collective strength.”
Committee Member Mario Baeza
How long have you been with CSU, and what campus are you at?
“I’ve been with CSU since 1990, specifically at Cal State San Bernardino. I actually started as a student there in 1986, got my degree in ’88, and my master’s in 1990. I’ve been working at the campus ever since, holding roles like Admissions Coordinator, Outreach Coordinator, and Transfer Counselor.”
How long have you been with APC, and how long as a steward?
“I’ve been a member of APC since sometime in the 1990s, though I can’t remember the exact year I joined. I became the Chief Steward at my campus in 2009 when our former Chief Steward retired. I’ve been serving in that role for the past 15 years, and I’ve also been on the Executive Board as a Council Member at Large since 2014.”
What made you want to serve on the Organizing Committee?
“When I became a Council Member at Large, it just made sense to join the Organizing Committee, which was called the Mobilizing Committee back then. I’ve always enjoyed talking with employees and educating them on the benefits of being a union member, so it felt like a natural fit for me. I’ve been pretty effective at recruiting new members on my campus, and I wanted to continue finding ways to bring more people into the union.”
What would you like members to know?
“I want members to know that it’s really important to understand the power of collective strength. Even if you don’t fully understand everything about the union right away, it’s worth giving it a chance. You’re not alone—there’s a whole support system in place. The union is here to protect your rights, improve your working conditions, and provide a strong voice on your behalf. I always tell new members to give us a year to show how we can make a difference for you.”
Committee Member Mike Prestin
How long have you been with CSU, and what campus are you at?
“My name is Mike, or James—I go by either. I’ve been with CSU since early July 2019, starting at Cal Poly Humboldt. I recently moved to San Jose State in early July of 2024. In both positions, I’ve served as a Residence Life Coordinator in Unit 4.”
How long have you been with APC, and how long as a Steward?
“I’ve been a member of APC ever since I started with CSU in 2019. I became a Steward around February 2022 at Humboldt, and I’m currently in the process of becoming a Steward at San Jose State.”
Why did you want to serve on the Organizing Committee?
“My Chief Steward back in Humboldt was a member of this committee, and during one of our meetings when the Exec Board came up, we also turned it into a recruitment drive. As a Steward, I helped out with that, and I found it really fun. I enjoyed talking to non-members, explaining why they should join the union. After a successful membership drive at San Jose, where I connected with non-members and got a few to sign up, I realized I wanted to be part of the Organizing Committee. It’s been a great way to meet new people, get them excited about the union, and learn more about the CSU.”
What do you want members to know?
“I want members to know that this union truly fights for you, especially in areas like housing where our contracts can be a bit gray. Having the union on your side helps navigate these gray areas and ensures that your rights are protected. Being a member of the union is especially beneficial in situations where the interpretation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) can vary.”
Committee Chair Tania Marin-Zeldin
How long have you been with CSU, and what campus are you at?
“My name is Tania Marin-Zeldin, and I currently work at the Educational Opportunity Program Student Support Services office at Cal Poly Humboldt. I’ve been at Cal Poly Humboldt for quite some time, starting as a student assistant in 2008, becoming a formal staff member in 2014, and joining APC in 2016.”
How long have you been with APC, and how long as a Steward?
“I’ve been with APC for about eight years now. I became a Steward around 2017 or 2018, and I took on the role of Chief Steward in 2019.”
Why did you want to serve on the Organizing Committee?
“I was encouraged by my previous Chief Steward, Linda, to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, which led me to the Organizing Committee. I’ve always enjoyed welcoming new people and emphasizing the importance of unity and membership. When I joined the Organizing Committee, it felt like a natural progression to step up as Chair. I believe that everyone should consider serving as a Steward or Chief Steward at some point, as it empowers you to learn about your contract and understand your rights.”
What do you want members to know?
“I want members to understand that we are stronger together. Making noise—whether it’s positive or tactful—is how we create change. It’s crucial to stand up for our rights because if we don’t, who will? I encourage everyone to get involved, whether it’s becoming a member, a Steward, a Chief Steward, or even a committee Chair. Working together is how we get things done, and I hope that by reading this, you’ll be inspired to join us in making a difference.”
All members of the Organizing Committee are volunteers who are deeply dedicated to fighting for the rights and well-being of Unit 4 employees. For more information about APC or to get involved, please contact the local Steward at your campus. You can also join APC here.