Divisions testing system, prepping for battles
Union fine tunes
Member Mobilization Network
By DENYCE DUNCAN LACY
Now that nearly half of the union’s divisions are
fully mobilized, PEF’s Mobilization and Education
(M&E) Department is beginning to use the networks on
a statewide basis to ensure they work in rapidly
informing members and calling them to action.
To test the system, in mid-October, the department sent
out a task to all fully mobilized divisions across the
state.
“All 108 fully mobilized divisions were assigned to
collect home e-mail addresses of each of their members
and to report those addresses to us by November 13,”
said M&E Assistant Director Margaret Messer.
“Having that information will allow us to reach
thousands of members with the push of button. We want to
be sure we resolve any glitches in the system before we
need to use it to mobilize members for our contract
negotiations and state budget talks this winter.”
Mobilize around
issues
M &E Director Cliff Merchant said another way to
refine the mobilization network is to use it for division
and regional issues.
“Divisions should identify issues around which to
mobilize their members,” Merchant said.
“Maybe there’s a grievance that your members
can support by wearing a button or attending a meeting.
Or is there a labor/management issue your members can
rally around to support the labor/management committee?
Perhaps you’re just planning a membership meeting;
you can use your mobilization network to get out the word
and boost your attendance.”
It’s
working in Region 2
PEF Region 2 (Elmira/Hornell) was the first region to
fully mobilize its members. According to Region 2
Coordinator Cliff West, the system is working well.
“I feel the Member Mobilization Network has
energized many PEF members as they feel more involved and
are more interested in the issues that effect PEF and
their families,” West said.
“I have noticed in my own division, 222, that when
Council Leader Jim Carr uses the network for council
meetings, demonstrations or bus trips, more members are
showing up to participate in the activities of PEF.”
And West said Carr also uses the network to spread
information about successful grievances.
Start spreading the news
Recently, Region 2 used the Member Mobilization Network
to inform its members of the regional PS&T Contract
Team meetings. West said the outreach produced a large
turnout for both meetings in his area.
Region 2 has also used the network at the grassroots
level, urging members to call their respective
legislators about bills important to PEF, or to involve
the members in letter-writing campaigns to legislators.
Messer said the union needs all divisions and regions to
follow West’s lead and fully mobilize their members.
“PEF’s power at the division, agency, regional
and statewide level will be built as the result of
successful member mobilizing on local as well as
statewide issues,” Messer said.
“We need a strong member mobilizing network to meet
the contract-negotiations and budget-deficit challenges
facing PEF in the coming months,” Merchant added.
Help’s just a call away
Call PEF Mobilization and Education at 1-800-342-4306
ext. 328 to:
• Get help becoming fully mobilized;
• Get help identifying an issue to mobilize around;
• Get help developing a work plan to address an
issue; or
• Tell the department about your successes.
“I feel the Member Mobilization Network has
energized many PEF members as they feel more involved and
are more interested in the issues that effect PEF and
their families.”
– Clifford West Region 2 coordinator
|
COMMUNICATOR HOMEPAGE
Inside This
Issue:
Features
Union sticks with Pataki,
Hevesi
Benson pledges: No more
zeroes
Hallum: Strict fiscal
controls, methods paying off
UFT leader shares
negotiating tips
Convention delegates adopt
eight resolutions
Delegates amend PEF
Constitution
Departments
President's Message:
Standing together
You Said It: Member's
letters this month
Member Mobilization: Div.
240 awards
Legislative Action:
Delegates give thumbs-up
Nurses' Station: Convention
roundtable on OT
Health Notes: Flex
Spending/Dependent Care
Member Mobilization:
Divisions testing system
PEF Membership Benefits
Program & Travel Corp
Union Matters
PEF brings tough new outlook
to contract talks
Early retirement window
opens at Mental Health
PEF to launch new ad
campaign
Arbitrator overturns
member’s suspension at DOH
Multi-union program mentors
future leaders
Member honored for her
unique role
PEF endorses 7 more
candidates in Nov. 5 election
Financial Statement
Other Links
Professional Directory
Members' Classified
Member Communicator Feedback
Do You Prefer The Online
Edition?
How To Advertise Here
PEF Pride Store
Last Month's Communicator
The Communicator Staff
Questions on
this site?
Email the comwebmaster.
 Register here on the
PEF
Member Network.
 Click Here email notice when next issue is
online
Site Map What's New Search
|