Rochester activist Ove Overmyer honored with CSEA Local Government Mission Achievement Award

CSEA activist Ove Overmyer addresses the members of the 104th Annual Delegates Meeting at the New York Hilton Midtown on October 3, 2014 after receiving the CSEA Local Government Mission Achievement Award. Photo courtesy of CSEA, © 2014

Posted by Bess Watts

October 4, 2014

New York, NY-- CSEA Monroe County Local 828 is thrilled to announce that Ove Overmyer received CSEA's highest award, the Local Government Mission Achievement Award. We are so proud of him! Anyone who knows Ove, knows that he is on a mission to create a better world for libraries and workers. Not a day goes by where he doesn't make a difference by his actions and words.

The statewide CSEA Local Government Mission Achievement Award highlights the accomplishments of a member in good standing who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Ove Overmyer has been faithfully serving as Unit President of the City of Rochester Library Workers since 2006 and has served as Vice President of Monroe County Local 828 since first elected to that office in 2009.

Ove serves in a leadership role on many committees throughout the organization. He is the Local 828 Political Action Chair, Local 828 Communications Chair and is WNY Region 6 Technology Chair and a member of the WNY Region 6 Political Action Committee. 

Please read Ove's remarks to the delegate body in New York City:

“First of all, I have to admit that being nominated and selected for this award makes me a little uncomfortable. Those of you who know me well understand I am much more suited behind a camera or a keyboard—but like many of you, just seeing my members flourish and succeed at work and in life is truly my just reward.

Many years ago, I had one of those a-ha moments—an epiphany so to speak. I realized I found my true character when I lost myself in the service of others. This is who I am—I am CSEA.

When I look back on my personal journey, there is a definite common narrative that keeps resurfacing. If my union work has taught me anything, it would be to never forget how to be compassionate, never let your words harm others, to love one another and honor each other’s contributions—be a blessing.

If my union work has taught me anything, let me continue to have the courage to expand my comfort zones, learn from my mistakes and be my authentic self.

I am personally driven by the simple belief that the concept “as is” just won’t do. We all have an obligation to fight for the world “as it should be.” Each of us, no matter or age, background or walk of life, each of us has something to contribute to build strong communities.

I am very honored to receive the CSEA Local Government Mission Achievement Award for 2014. I am also extremely proud to have a career in public service—knowing full well it could not have happened unless my union brothers and sisters were right there by my side. I would also like to give a shout out to all my fellow CSEA library workers throughout New York State—I respect you. I honor you. I love you all. Thank you again for this tremendous honor—it’s deeply appreciated.”

Congratulations Ove, well done!    

Bess Watts

CSEA Monroe County Local 828 President