WHEREAS:

The union's strength is derived from an aware, concerned, well-informed membership that actively participates in the union's democratic decision-making processes at the local, Council and International levels; and

WHEREAS:

A membership that is knowledgeable about its rights, educated on the issues, and sensitive to the needs and concerns of fellow members and fellow citizens, is best able to exercise the union's power in fighting for member interests and defending member rights; and

WHEREAS:

Local union stewards, a vital, absolutely essential ingredient of a strong union, are on the workplace firing line every day, continuously utilizing skills in organizing, representing members, communication, and leadership; and

WHEREAS:

The Local Union Training Instructor program, by training rank and file activists to do steward training, has greatly benefited the union by enabling thousands of stewards to receive needed training and by serving as a means through which more members become more active in their union; and

WHEREAS:

Local union leaders are charged with the increasingly multifaceted responsibility of representing the members to management as well as the public and other AFSCME bodies; and

WHEREAS:

A local union that is enhanced by a functioning, effective leadership and steward structure and an active, participating membership will be fortified to carry out its responsibility of defending member rights and promoting member interests and concerns; and

WHEREAS:

Leaders in newly organized locals and jurisdictions, to meet the new responsibilities and problems with which they are immediately confronted, will need new skills and resources.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International Union continue its commitment to assist both new and established Councils and Locals in providing education and training to rank and file members to maximize their participation in the union, to increase their knowledge of trade union history and their understanding of trade union goals and objectives, and to help them be more effective in the political arena; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union continue to design and offer intensive training programs, develop new tools and methods, and provide support and resources to enable stewards to be even more effective in meeting their responsibilities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union continue to conduct Local Union Training Instructor programs across the country so as to train the greatest number of stewards and potential stewards; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union continue its commitment to provide training programs for existing as well as newly elected officers and leaders, in both new and established jurisdictions, which will increase their effectiveness in the areas of communication, organizing, group problem solving, development of a functional local union structure, and ways and means of maximizing rank and file participation in the union.

SUBMITTED BY:

Garland W. Webb, President
Jean Baptiste, Recording Secretary
Council 17
Baton Rouge, Louisiana