I began on the FACCC Board as a Contract Governor for my college, where I am President of my local (AFT 6322). I have served on the Student Agency and Access Think Tank and the Legislation and Budget Committee, which I now co-chair, and I was recently appointed Vice President by the FACCC Board. I love this work! With FACCC, I’ve found people who share a passion for faculty advocacy. I am asking for your vote so that I can continue to serve as Vice-President because I believe deeply in our collective power to create meaningful change for students and faculty across California.
On the Legislation and Budget Committee, I have taken on leadership responsibilities, strengthened relationships with board and committee members, and learned a lot about the legislative process and the value of small gains over time. I have been a voice for small, rural colleges, but I also consider what is best for the membership as a whole when decisions are made. I recently traveled to Sacramento to testify before the Assembly Higher Education Committee in support of contingent/part-time faculty health insurance. Advocating for colleagues who struggle to afford basic healthcare reminded me why this work matters so much.
As a Governor on the FACCC Board, I know the challenges we face moving forward, but I am most excited about the opportunities before us: protections for immigrant faculty, access to health insurance, equitable funding policies, universal COLA, strengthening the 50% Law, pushing back against excessive reserves, and more. These aren’t just policy issues to me – they represent faculty members I know and care about, colleagues who deserve dignity, security, and respect.
FACCC’s mission is “to inform, educate, empower, and advocate for faculty in service to students and the communities of California.” To be effective, we must listen to diverse perspectives, be inclusive in our practices, and have reflective conversations about legislation and policy that affect us all. As Vice President, I promise to seek out these conversations so that I can advocate for the FACCC membership with the commitment our challenges demand.
For the past 10 years, I have served on my local union’s Executive Board as Grievance Officer, Lead Negotiator and, most recently, President, and as Treasurer for the California Mathematics Council, Community Colleges (CMC3). Each role has deepened my understanding of what faculty face daily and strengthened my resolve to fight for better conditions. Strong organization and planning skills have been an important part of my success, whether I was supporting a shared vision in a “behind the scenes” capacity, or taking a lead role. These experiences will help me to support the FACCC President and manage projects when needed.
FACCC has strengthened its influence and amplified the voice of faculty with system stakeholders and legislators. My priority is to build on this work, and I am energized by what we can accomplish together. I would be honored to have your vote for Vice President. Thank you for your consideration.
Leslie Banta
[email protected] | 707-467-1053
