Social justice. Strengthening schools and hospitals. Improving the professional, economic and personal lives of members. "It's just too big a job" to do alone.

That's why NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue, in her address to delegates, urged teachers, school-related professionals, health care workers and retirees to "reach out, strengthen our connections and stay united for our common good."

"Different locals may deal with different issues and demands, but every local is interdependent," she said. "Diverse perspectives help us see and understand a situation."

Her heartfelt speech, delivered with calm persuasion, struck a chord with delegates, who applauded her many references to constituent groups. Donahue brought out different challenges faced by NYSUT's varied constituencies, as the faces of some of those workers were shown on screen alongside her.

Too many SRPs are not paid fairly. "They are paid what society says the jobs are worth rather than for the value of the work they do," she said.

Consider their jobs: Food service workers provide the most nutritious meal some students get each day; bus drivers are students' first contact with the school community; secretaries connect the school nurse and an anxious parent; custodians are key figures in green-cleaning initiatives; and teacher aides and teaching assistants provide that extra support students need to succeed, she said.

"We must advocate for the New York State Fair Pay Act, a bill that would require equal pay for equal work," she said.

BOCES members educate more than 50,000 students a year in career, special or alternative education. They teach about 35,000 students annually in adult basic education, GED preparation and English as a second language. Yet many of them work in "learning environments that can be described as manageable at best," she said.

Many health care professionals struggle with low pay, long hours and difficult working conditions. They need support to eliminate mandatory overtime, advocate for a school nurse in every building and address scope of practice issues, Donahue said.

Retirees need to safeguard prescription drug coverage, Social Security, health insurance and pensions. Educators at both public and private colleges share common ground in advocating for pay equity.

While some people focus on what's in front of them and some on what's around them, both views are needed, Donahue said, telling delegates: "Take a chance. Step across territorial boundaries — or open your own to others."