WHEREAS:

AFSCME members are an incredible resource for organizing new workers; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME members have unique knowledge of the problems and issues faced by workers in similar jobs and industries; and

WHEREAS:

Hundreds of AFSCME member organizers from across the county responded to the needs of workers in Missouri, Kentucky, Puerto Rico and the University of Maryland and made our organizing victories of 2001 possible; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME's Department of Education and Leadership Training and Department of Organizing and Field Services have collaborated to establish the Volunteer Member Organizer Program to train and provide first hand experience for member organizers; and

WHEREAS:

The Volunteer Member Organizer Program focuses on one-on-one contact and house calls between workers and existing members, creating a bond of understanding; and

WHEREAS:

Experience gained as a member organizer is invaluable for members with respect to strengthening their own locals.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That all councils and locals encourage member participation in the AFSCME Volunteer Member Organizing Program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That councils and locals with their own organizing programs work with the International Union to establish Volunteer Member Organizing Programs.

SUBMITTED BY:

Gary Gillespie, President and Delegate
Janice Larkin, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Council 75
Oregon