Involving
members builds union power
Stewards and member mobilizers play a critical role in
developing a fully mobilized PEF division with active,
informed members. It’s a task that takes a lot of
time and patience, but the power it builds for the union
is worth it.
You can find many ways to begin the process of building
an active membership. Start by focusing on how you can
get your members involved in union activities. Don’t
think about how many do or don’t attend meetings.
Rather, if you find ways to get them active and feeling a
part of the union, they will come to meetings.
Welcome new
employees
When new employees are hired, welcome them and recruit
them to become members right away. Ease their concerns
about being the new person. Give them a sense of
belonging as a member of the union. Tell them about the
benefits. Let them have time to ask questions. Remind
them of the date of the next meeting. Tell them about
union activities that are happening. Invite them to
participate.
Communicate with your members and make the union visible.
It’s important to take the time to let members know
what is going on and how they benefit from being a union
member. When a grievance is settled, tell them about it.
Update your PEF bulletin board at least weekly.
Harness power of
print
Produce a regular newsletter and include some
human-interest stories. Write articles about members and
their activities. Include a picture if possible. Write
and format your newsletter to encourage your members to
read the whole thing.
Work with your leaders to design your membership meetings
to be more interesting. Invite guest speakers to do short
presentations. Show videos on topics of interest to your
members. Discuss new Internet links that your members may
find useful. Start and end your meetings on time. Try to
set up meetings that accommodate members’ needs.
Use local talent
Identify talents or skills members have and ask them to
do something for the union. Maybe they enjoy photography
or writing, or excel in organizing social events.
Recognize their contributions.
Create events for members to get together, socialize and
become acquainted. Picnics, community events, dances,
charitable activities, sports or potluck dinners can
bring people together for little or no cost.
Ask your members what they think, what they need or what
they want. At contract time, survey your members to get
their opinions. And remember, also find times after
negotiations when a member’s opinion would be useful
to the division.
Communication is one part talking and two parts
listening. Open your ears to other members’
concerns. Your keen display of interest will encourage
them to become more involved.
Editor’s note: Clifford Merchant is PEF’s
director of mobilization and education.
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COMMUNICATOR HOMEPAGE
Inside This
Issue:
Features
PEF’s political action
efforts pay off
Union's top COPE-people take
a bow
Nurses protest at SUNY
Downstate Med.Center
Long view snags threat to
PEF jobs
PEF Scholarships and
financial aid
- January time to apply for student financial aid
- PEF to award 10 Scacalossi Scholarships
- Unions offer $$$ to top students
- Neil Boyle lives on through scholarships
- Tap into a Union Plus
scholarship
Departments
President's Message: Ready
for '03 challenges
You Said It: Member's
letters this month
Member Mobilization:Building
union power
Nurses' Station: Fight for
healthier health care
Health Notes: Choosing your
health plan
Retirees In Action:
Legislative battles ahead
Member In Action: Highlights
page
PEF Membership Benefits
Program & Travel Corp
Union Matters
Trustees Report to the '02
convention
Agency-fee procedure
outlined
Financial Supplement (Audit)
PEF helps spotlight poor
care, understaffing
Members’ 9/11 tribute
on US State Dept. Website
Union striving to keep
service-credit bill alive
Members' vacation credits
safe
Members on military leave health insurance safe
Court: GOER must enforce
order at SIF
PEF rallies to aid injured
member at DOT
Test drive online training
Contract offers DOCS members
help with tuition
ERI windows already opened
or opening
File your HCSAccount claims
by Mar. 31
E- Board makes decisions at
Aug. meeting
Black Caucus to host Holiday
Party
Other Links
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Members' Classified
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