The External Relations Committee serves as a vital link between APC and the broader world of labor, legislation, and public policy. Its work supports the rights and visibility of Unit 4 employees across the CSU system and beyond.
The mission of the APC External Relations Committee is to serve as the liaison between APC and external groups and organizations including, but not limited to, the CSU Board of Trustees, legislative representatives at both the state and national levels, unions representing CSU employees, and other public employee unions. The committee reviews proposed legislation impacting Unit 4 employment and makes recommendations to the APC Council regarding endorsement of legislation impacting Unit 4 employees and/or candidates for office. It also monitors potential changes in health and retirement benefits being considered or developed by CalPERS or the legislature.
What the Committee Does
The External Relations Committee is responsible for connecting APC to key decision-makers and labor allies outside the CSU system. The committee works to protect the rights of Unit 4 employees by reviewing proposed legislation, monitoring benefit changes through CalPERS, and building relationships with external unions and public officials.
In addition to reviewing state-level policies that may affect Unit 4 workers, the committee also makes recommendations to the APC Council about which bills or candidates the union should support. Its work helps ensure APC has a voice in conversations that shape labor conditions and public employment across California.
This committee focuses on the statewide issues that impact daily life on campus, helping to extend APC’s influence beyond the university and into the broader world of public service and policy.
Meet the Committee
The Committee is made up of APC members who bring deep knowledge, a commitment to justice, and a clear focus on ensuring Unit 4 voices are represented in state-level decisions. Each member shared their reasons for joining and what they want others to know about the work ahead.
Janette L. Hyder – Committee Chair
MSI Counselor & Senior Career Post-Graduation Coordinator, CSU Fullerton
Chief Steward, Fullerton Chapter
- Years with CSU: 28 years as a professional, plus time as a student
- Years with APC: Over 25 years
- Years as a Steward: More than 25 years
Why she joined the Committee:
“I’ve always been attracted to the laws and understanding how they impact communities. Especially employees and communities of color. I’ve gone to lobby days with CSU EU, CFA, and APC. I really enjoy learning about legislation and how it works. The Committee gave me a way to keep doing that.”
What she wants other members to know:
“We need help. It would be great if we had more members participate and bring fresh ideas. People come in and out, and many don’t realize they can get involved. Even members from our own campuses can join. You don’t have to be a steward, just a dues-paying member.”
Juno L. Chambers
Lead Academic Advisor, College of Engineering, San Diego State University
Chief Steward, SDSU Chapter
- Years with CSU: 4 years
- Years with APC: 4 years
- Years as a Steward: Since 2022, became Chief Steward in 2025
Why she joined the Committee:
“My master’s thesis focused on California law and how it shapes what the CSU can do when serving trans and non-binary students. I’ve always been interested in how policy defines the work we do. The CSU is a branch of the state. That means everything about our roles is formed by state laws and policies. The Committee helps us stay connected to that.”
What she wants other members to know:
“We’re not here to push partisan views. We’re here to uphold what the state has already said matters. This is about labor rights and ensuring our union reflects the identities and lives of the people doing the work. We have a responsibility to protect that.”
Daryl R. Evans
Graduation Specialist, College of Business Administration and Public Policy, CSU Dominguez Hills
Chief Steward, Dominguez Hills Chapter
- Years with CSU: Since 1997
- Years with APC: Since 2000
- Years as a Steward: Since 2001
Why he joined the Committee:
“For too long, APC operated in a bubble. We didn’t connect with other unions or build relationships in Sacramento. That’s not sustainable. If we want to have a voice, we have to show up in those spaces. That means engaging with legislation and building our presence statewide.”
What he wants other members to know:
“You don’t need to be a steward to be part of this work. We need members to help, especially when it comes to legislation. When the governor didn’t sign our steps, that was a moment where stronger, coordinated action from our full membership could have made a difference. The more people we have involved, the more pressure we can apply.”
Why This Work Matters
The Committee plays a vital role in protecting the rights of Unit 4 employees by staying alert to the laws, policies, and decisions that shape public employment in California. From legislation affecting worker protections to proposals tied to retirement or healthcare, what happens in Sacramento has a direct impact on CSU campuses.
As Juno explained, the CSU is a state institution governed by public law. That means labor rights, funding structures, and even how student services are delivered are shaped by decisions made outside the university. By monitoring policy changes and reviewing legislation, the Committee helps APC stay informed and prepared to respond when those decisions affect Unit 4 members.
Janette shared that many policies impacting workers also affect students, particularly those from marginalized communities. Keeping watch on new bills, building relationships with labor allies, and raising awareness within APC are all part of the Committee’s work to ensure those impacts are not ignored.
Daryl added that staying engaged at the state level isn’t optional if APC wants to have a voice in decisions that affect its members. Whether pushing for long-overdue step increases or responding to legislation that threatens employee rights, collective action and preparation are key.
The crucial piece to remember is this: visibility matters, engagement matters, and every member who gets involved helps strengthen APC’s ability to advocate for meaningful change.
Who Can Participate
If the mission of this committee resonates with you, the good news is that any dues-paying APC member can participate. You don’t need to be a steward or hold an elected position to get involved.
Your perspective, experience, and voice can add real value to the work already in motion.
Whether you’re passionate about policy, curious about advocacy, or looking for a new way to support fellow members, the Committee offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute.
To learn more or get involved, reach out to the External Relations Committee.