WHEREAS:

Organizing to increase AFSCME membership has a direct impact on the union's strength and ability to fight and win improvements for our existing members; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME members are a huge resource -- with talent, dedication and people-power -- yet remain a largely untapped resource for organizing; and

WHEREAS:

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

WHEREAS:

The skills learned by members who volunteer on organizing campaigns can be directly applied to strengthening their home local; and

WHEREAS:

Employers in both the public and the private sector are fighting organizing harder than ever, increasing the cost of organizing and first contract campaigns; and

WHEREAS:

Other unions compete directly with AFSCME to organize public service workers and have made a commitment to organize in our jurisdiction. AFSCME's Volunteer Member Organizers provide a competitive advantage.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That councils and large directly affiliated locals take immediate steps to initiate organizing programs or increase resources dedicated to organizing and include in their organizing program an active Volunteer Member Organizer program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the goal of dedicating 30 percent of our resources for organizing, approved by the delegates to the 35th International Convention, be reaffirmed at all levels of the union; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That councils and locals actively recruit members to join the AFSCME Volunteer Member Organizing Program to assist on organizing drives within their own areas and across the country.

SUBMITTED BY:

Duwane Huffaker, President and Delegate
Doris Lohrey-Birch, Secretary
AFSCME Council 28
Washington