Dear ASEA Members,

AFSCME International has recently instituted a Political Action and Legislative Apprentice program to train and develop 20 individuals for careers as professionals in the fields of politics and legislative advocacy. The program is expected to be 12 to 15 months in length. ASEA has been selected by AFSCME International as one of the affiliates that has been assigned a participant in this program.

Ryan Kopiasz has been assigned to work with ASEA as a member of the program. Ryan is a long time resident of Alaska. He graduated from Service High School and Minnesota State University where he studied history with an emphasis in the history of international politics. His work experience includes recently working for the Claman for Mayor Campaign and from May 2008 to November 2008 working as a field organizer in Alaska with the Obama campaign.

Ryan began working in the Anchorage headquarters this week. He will be working with ASEA as we inform and activate our members in support of AFSCME International’s legislative and political goals and our legislative and political goals in Alaska.

I believe that having Ryan working with us will be very beneficial as we seek to involve our membership in supporting issues important to ASEA and AFSCME International. Please join me in welcoming Ryan to ASEA.

Jim Duncan
Business Manager