"I support Megan Dayton for reelection as our MAPE president. Megan has shared her desire to serve one more term to advance a robust set of initiatives to forge a more responsive, forward-facing, and sustainable union. I believe Megan's experience, knowledge, sense of humor, and humility will power the continuity needed to maximize momentum in creating our shared, member-driven future.

When Megan began serving in 2020, MAPE was facing major existential challenges: the Janus Decision that chipped away at membership percentages, a rapidly changing and digitizing workplace accelerated by the pandemic, and sticky internal organizational issues. These three factors still very much threaten our base of power rooted in high membership engagement and percentages. They also endanger solidarity and community through the loss of shared workplace experiences and interactions. If not addressed with well-crafted responses, we will drift toward disconnection from member ideas and needs. We will miss the opportunity to strengthen a robust distributed member leadership model that generates creative interventions, distributes the work, and celebrates the results.

Megan, our executive officers, the full board, and various committees and work groups successfully addressed our revenue and equity concerns through restructuring dues and working to make this model sustainable. I work at an extremely challenging workplace with an entrenched and unhealthy culture, so I also have special appreciation for the DOC Membership Support Network pilot project Megan has shepherded. In addition, the reconfiguration study can address our geographic and agency challenges and identify a more nimble and effective organizational structure. Finally, a robust and adequately resourced comprehensive membership campaign that focuses on education and empowerment can advance us toward a stronger member-driven organization

These are all bold steps forward, yet if there is one thing I would truly like you to consider, it is Megan's ability to diplomatically yet assertively speak truth to power when it comes to external relationships. As a negotiation team member during the last contract cycle, Megan inspired me with how she fostered solidarity. Megan helped us resolve to walk away from negotiations if MMB did not relent on CERP and provide this benefit equitably across bargaining units. Megan then assertively laid things on the line with the MMB negotiators, and we succeeded in securing this benefit as part of historic contract advances. Megan also is a great external face for MAPE, building relationships in the political realm and not afraid to speak bluntly to political leaders like our governor and legislators.

Our union has a good problem with two qualified, thoughtful presidential candidates; however, I see leadership continuity as key during this moment in our union's evolution. As a former nonprofit leader who sought to rebuild a weak and underperforming organization, I know firsthand that urgent, visionary, and assertive initiatives can produce turbulence and missteps. We have not been immune from these dynamics and I have appreciated how Megan owns her mistakes and constantly seeks to engage, listen to, and learn from as wide a range of collaborators as possible. Leaders in organizations like MAPE need healthy doses of humility and self-reflection – and I experience Megan possessing these qualities. Please join me in supporting Megan for another term as our president to build on the momentum she has fostered!"

David Clanaugh,

Region 17 Director

"I am pleased to support Megan Dayton for MAPE President. I have had the great fortune of working alongside her in my role as Regional Director on the MAPE Board of Directors since 2021. Megan truly cares about the wellbeing of MAPE and our members, and it’s been a joy to be a part of creating a vision for MAPE with Megan that reflects this. I have been struck by how well Megan has facilitated rich conversation and growth among board members and union members at large. She has been integral to not just ensuring Board functionality but in allowing us to thrive, which has reflected positively on our union as a whole. With her leadership, we have made significant strides in moving our union forward: from a much-needed dues update, to making the negotiations process more transparent and member-driven, to reimagining how we structure ourselves so we can maximize our collective power.

I’m excited to see what more we can accomplish, together, with Megan’s enthusiasm and dedication! I’m particularly inspired by the bold million-dollar membership campaign she’s proposing. A union is only as strong as its members and a great leader recognizes that. That’s why I’m voting for Megan for MAPE President, and you should, too!"

Vanessa Vogl,

Region 21 Director

"Through my years in MAPE, my goal has been to get members to understand how politics and state elected officials affect their everyday lives. Megan is the first MAPE statewide president in my time to “get it” and put her own boots on the doors to elect pro-union legislators and governors. Her dedication to supporting our political programs, getting members involved, and personally showing up in the big moments have impacted our union. Megan is there to represent at the Capitol, at a rally, or at the sleepy moments of an early Saturday door knock. This dedication has made her a strong voice for our union with legislators and the Governor’s office.

Megan has the energy, poise, and political leadership needed to carry our union forward for another term. Please vote for Megan Dayton for MAPE President."

Monica Weber,

PAC Chair

“I am endorsing Megan Dayton for another term as our Statewide President. Megan is committed to bringing success to the union for many years to come by helping restructure staff to fit the needs of both membership and legislative priorities that affect our union. She has also brought forward several ideas and implemented change to help solidify our structure, increase membership, and help MAPE become a highly regarded public union.”

Ann Adkisson,

Region 14 Director

Revenue Meet & Confer Vice-Chair

Steward

"I am happy to support Megan Dayton for MAPE president. During my time as a negotiator, Megan has been a steadfast ally in building the coalition we need to get the contract we deserve. She helped keep us confident when things were difficult and has shown a talent for uniting union members with disparate opinions and experiences by focusing us on what makes the union stronger and what improves the lives of all of our members."

Alex Bajwa,

Region 4 Negotiator

"I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Megan Dayton for six years, and I can confidently say that Megan is an exceptional leader. Not only is she a dedicated advocate for our union members, but her unique perspective as a demographer has been invaluable in shaping our MAPE’s strategies.

Megan understands the workforce and labor market dynamics, particularly as we navigated the complexities of inflation and its impact on workers. Megan’s ability to analyze data and trends has equipped our union with the insights necessary to advocate effectively for a 10 % wage increase, 2023/2025, the highest our union has own in 40 years, ensuring that our members not only survive but thrive despite economic pressures.

Megan actively listens to the concerns of all members, ensuring that every voice is heard in our decision-making processes. Megan’s inclusive approach has fostered a sense of unity and trust within our union, empowering us to tackle the challenges of keeping health care costs at a nominal level, improved sick and bereavement leave, and flexible workplace to name a few.  

Thank you, Megan, for your dedication and the profound impact you have made on our union. Your work is a testament to the power of combining data with compassion, and we are grateful to have you as our union leader. "

Ajeet Yadav,

Local 701 President

Admin Meet & Confer Chair

"I endorse Megan Dayton for re-election to MAPE Statewide President. Megan and I first met on the 2019 Statewide Negotiations team as negotiators from our respective regions. We worked together with other member leaders to get that contract across the finish line. We currently work together on the Board of Directors and the Governance team for the past three years as well.

It is important to note that Megan and I have not always seen eye to eye when it comes to how our union should move forward. We had huge differences on two different occasions since 2019. Both times, Megan was the first to reach out to repair the damage. She never took the disagreement personally and always kept the members at the center.

I believe Megan will continue to put our union and members first. Vote Megan Dayton for President."

Kay Pedretti,

Region 20 Director

Vice Chair, Minn State Meet & Confer

Steward