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OEA Locals Establishing Measurable Goals

The OEA Assessment Tool

CLICK HERE to complete the Local Assessment Tool and qualify for the $2,500 LAT Grant

Click on the thumbnail to download the Local Assessment Tool

The OEA Organizing Department has developed a Local Self-Assessment Tool that can aide your local in targeting crucial areas of growth.  Many locals have already begun to use this tool in order to assist them in strategic planning and goal setting. An active and strong local is always assessing their members’ needs and looking for ways in which to grow collective power.  The OEA Local Assessment Tool looks at several key indicators that a well-rounded local should take into consideration for increased growth and strength. These are the following: Advocacy, contract negotiations, organizing and strategic planning, community organizing and engagement, communication, political action and lobbying, leadership development and governance structure/finances.

The tool is very useful for locals and provides them with an accurate reading on their overall organizational effectiveness and readiness.  The process walks the self-assessment team through a number of steps to target areas of growth.  Once this is achieved, the findings are discussed, and a consensus is reached, the real work begins.

Once the areas of growth are identified the local should develop a plan that sets up short term and long term (measurable or S.M.A.R.T.) goals. What should be achieved right now? What should we attempt to tackle in the long term? Resources and finances? Responsibility and accountability for the established outcomes?  These are all questions to think about as locals plan for the future.  You need to know where you are going before you figure out how to get there. One step at a time and strategic planning is the key.

This is also a great opportunity to engage and involve your members to participate and take ownership of the locals’ direction and vision.  It provides them with a stronger voice and by doing so, they build a stronger local and union alongside their leaders.

We suggest that smaller locals take “smaller” steps so that the tool does not become cumbersome or overwhelming for them. The Local Assessment Tool online version can be accessed here: 2025 OEA Local Union Self-Assessment Tool

Thank you for all you do and remember to keep ORGANIZING!

OEA Organizing & Member Engagement
organizing@ohea.org

Apply for OEA’s One-Time Local Capacity Grant!

How your Local Can Benefit

1. Complete the Local Assessment Tool & Receive $2,500

  • Work with your Labor Relations Consultant (LRC) to complete all eight (8) key areas of OEA’s Local Assessment Tool.
  • The Local Assessment Tool is designed for leaders AND members to assess and measure a local’s strength and capacity.
  • Local Leaders should form a committee of members to discuss and provide feedback regarding the eight (8) key areas of the Local Assessment Tool.
  • Once completed, submit the attached Local Assessment Tool Grant Award Form within 30 days to receive a $2,500 grant award.
  • If using the printable version, include a completed hard copy with the grant request form.

2. Develop an Action Plan & Access Additional Grant Funding

  • With your LRC, identify at least one key area of focus (e.g., Advocacy, Contract Negotiations, Communication, Leadership Development, etc.) and develop an action plan.
  • Your local may receive $50 per member (up to $30,000 total) to implement your action plan.
  • Submit the OEA Local Capacity Grant Application and Action Plan (attached) to your Regional Director for approval.
  • All reimbursement receipts must be submitted by July 31, 2026.

We encourage local teams to complete the Local Assessment Tool as soon as possible and begin developing an action plan for implementation in the 2025–26 school year. Rather than completing the assessment individually, local leaders should form a group of local members with their LRC to foster meaningful discussions and accurately assess local needs. Collaborating as a team helps ensure member input and leads to more effective, engaging action plans.

Timeline & Additional Support

  • Ideally, locals should complete the Local Assessment Tool now and develop an action plan for implementation during the 2025-26 school year.
  • Locals may contact their Labor Relations Consultant (LRC) for assistance in completing the Local Assessment Tool, developing an action plan, and applying for the Local Capacity Grant.

Grant Documents

 

Categories

Assessments and diagnostics