Mobilization keeps members alert, united, ready for action

By DEBORAH A. MILES
If you’re an avid reader of The Communicator, you may remember seeing articles and photos of hundreds of parole officers rallying in near zero temperatures on Central Ave. in Albany, or the hundreds of members who chanted and marched around the steps of the state Capitol on a sweltering summer day to support the PEF contract team.

But did you ever wonder how all these people came together?

Creating the buzz among PEF members that a union issue is gaining attention, and getting them to rally or attend a press conference is a primary function of PEF’s mobilization department.

“We’re devoted to reaching members and moving power from management to the union,” said Margaret Messer, the department’s director.

One way to accomplish this is keeping the divisions active, informed and up-to-date. Messer said PEF has 187 fully mobilized divisions throughout the state and nearly 5,000 enlisted mobilizers who keep the lines of communication open to reach as many members as possible.

“The network operates like a well-oiled machine with a small but effective staff of five keeping the wheels turning all the time,” Messer said.

Independent, dedicated
At PEF headquarters in Latham, Messer, Kim Loccisano (training specialist) and Nancy Wolff (nurse organizer) work together on the union’s issues to provide member support and a show of unity when action is needed. The department is completed by the efforts of Denise Young (training specialist) in the western part of the state and Blair Burroughs (organizer) in New York City and Long Island.

“The staff in this department can handle many challenges,” Messer said. “They are educated, dedicated and believe in what they do. They have strong people skills and are familiar with laws, rules and regulations.”

She said they work well both independently and as a team, and when a PEF movement is launched such as the Go Public or the Stop Workplace Violence campaigns. Member mobilization coordinates its efforts with other PEF departments.

Creating a unified front
Training is also a crucial role for this department.

“Our training workshops teach division leaders that organization, communication and education will help empower them,” Messer said.

“We recruit, educate and train members so the end result is a united front. That means getting the word out to thousands of members.

“The key is starting at the grass-roots level, and then keeping members engaged. When members join forces and hundreds of people rally on the steps of the state Capitol fighting for better terms and conditions of employment, someone is bound to listen,” she said.

If you would like to be a member mobilizer or would like training information for your division, e-mail mmesser@pef.org, or check out the mobilization link on the PEF Web site, www.pef.org, for more information.
 

The Communicator Dec.06/Jan.07

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Go Public: Facts vs. myths
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Clarification: A photo caption in the November issue of The Communicator should have said PEF Vice President Pat Baker and Regional Coordinators Dee Dodson, Vernetta Chesimard and Jemma Marie-Hanson coordinated the PEF Sept. 11 memorial service in New York City.