MissionWe, the members of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO), are committed to theprinciples of participatory democracy. Thus, as graduate employees at the University of Illinoisat Urbana-Champaign (“the University”), we claim the right to participate in making decisionsthat affect our lives. This can only mean our bona fide representation in University governance.Formal recognition of the work of graduate employees generates due respect for our work and,moreover, ensures better working conditions for all of us. This can only enable the University insuccessfully fulfilling its mission, namely, to provide quality higher education. We envisage aworking and learning environment at this University that is democratic, inclusive,non-discriminatory, and above all, just. We shall do everything in our power to materialize thisvision.