Union meeters and greeters made their rounds at Jefferson Community College in Watertown during the fall, armed with information for new members. Courtney Bauer, right, is a business division secretary and president of the Jefferson Community College Education Support Personnel, a higher education local of NYSUT. Juliana Eames, left, is an executive board member for the 74-member local and a secretary in the liberal arts department.

The pair team up as part of the local union's effort to provide a "Welcome Wagon" to reach out to and educate new members. Leaders greet new employees and bring them packets of information about their organization, upcoming meetings, dues, contact information and benefits. Newcomers also receive a calendar and a candy bar.