Many NAPE/AFSCME members have had the pleasure of working with René Botts as a union steward, field representative, and a friendly colleague at multiple state agencies. September marked the end of an era as René retired from the State of Nebraska after decades of service. Few union leaders have made as big an impact on NAPE/AFSCME members as René Botts.
René began her career at the Nebraska State Historical Society in 2001. While most members know René from her lengthy career in state procurement, René is an anthropologist by training, and was a curator for the State Historical Society. It was only after funding was eliminated during the Great Recession that she moved into procurement through the state re-employment program negotiated in our contract.
“When I moved into procurement, it became so apparent that our role as state employees is to serve our fellow Nebraskans,” René said. “I was procuring contracts, but I saw that I was directly impacting my family and friends.”
A native of Pender, Nebraska, René always approached her work through the lens of making sure all Nebraskans were served well by our state government. “We’re here to improve our neighbors’ lives,” René said. “It’s a mission that I really believe in.”
René brought that same attitude of service to her fellow union members. A passionate union representative, René was always ready to step up and assist her fellow members. Whether it was a member in need of representation, an employee that needed advice, or even a manager that needed to be reminded about the guarantees of our contract, René was always there for her union brothers and sisters.
René served as a Volunteer Member Organizer, and she was always looking to strengthen and grow our union. René retired with NAPE/AFSCME union membership at a record high. “René has been a huge part of our success in growing our membership,” said Executive Director Justin Hubly. “René has a unique way of sharing our vision for a stronger voice on the job because she embodies what it means to be a proud Nebraskan. Hard work, fairness, and equity. I’m beyond proud of René and all of her contributions to our union and the State of Nebraska.”
René plans to enjoy her new found time in retirement, and continue to knit extensively. When asked what advice she would give to union members and leaders she said, “Always be approachable. You’ll have allies across state agencies, and those connections are important. We’ll always have fights to fight, and we need to stay united and keep growing.”
René encourages members to get more involved in our union. “Sign up for a leadership training weekend, attend a meeting, and be engaged. All our hard work shows. I remember when people didn’t know their rights. Now they do, and look at how far we have come!”