Hello, U-M staff colleagues! My name is Kit Parks. I am a studio coordinator at the Stamps School of Art & Design on the Ann Arbor campus and a proud University Staff United member. In my work as a studio coordinator, I oversee our weaving, sewing, print & dye, and e-textiles studios, as well as our natural dye garden and garden club. My education and career have been centered around textiles, and it brings me joy to spend eachday supporting students in the same pursuit. I am uniquely qualified for my role, but my pay doesn’t reflect that experience.
Like toomany of my colleagues, my full-time role at U-M is not my only source of income. In addition to my work here, I run a small business selling handwoven goods and teaching fiber arts. My evenings and weekends are scheduled with my second job, leaving little time to decompress and take care of personal matters. I love my work, but I’m tired of overextending myself to make ends meet.
I believe workers everywhere deserve dignity, respect, and a salary that pays all the bills. I joined USU because I see it as a clear path to earning what I am worth without wearing myself out. Through organizing with our union, I’ve met exceptional and accomplished staff members, many with multiple degrees and years of distinguished experience. Collectively we provide enormous value to our workplace. It’s time for the university to take our voices seriously! If you haven’t yet signed your card, you can do it on the USU website. If you know a co-worker who hasn’t joined, please talk with them! We are so close to getting our union recognized, and many of us cannot afford to wait.
In Solidarity,
Kit