WHEREAS:

Seventy seven percent of union members use email; and

WHEREAS:

Ninety two percent of the public say email is the main reason they go online; and

WHEREAS:

Seventy eight percent of email users indicate that email is their preferred contact method, while 17 percent prefer postal mail and nine percent prefer phone calls; and

WHEREAS:

Organizations, such as MoveOn.org and several 2004 presidential campaigns, have shown that email and the Internet can be a successful tool in mobilizing constituents and members. The AFL-CIO Working Families Network and other similar programs have proved a useful tool in advocacy campaigns; and

WHEREAS:

Email can be an efficient and effective means of communicating with AFSCME members and potential members; and

WHEREAS:

Email can be an effective way of engaging workers on AFSCME priorities, including organizing, bargaining, and legislative and political campaigns; and

WHEREAS:

Recruiting participants for online campaigns can help identify members for offline activities such as work site leafleting, phone banking, house calls and events; and

WHEREAS:

Email communications can be used to supplement and complement more traditional forms of contact including meetings and one-on-one communications; and

WHEREAS:

It is necessary to have email addresses in order to make electronic communications with workers possible. AFSCME has only just begun to collect email addresses for our members; and

WHEREAS:

While there are still many members and potential members who do not have access to email, it is important to make the most of this technology now.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME affiliates and the International Union shall make a concerted and systematic effort to collect email addresses of our members and potential members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

As part of this concerted effort, the International Union and affiliates will integrate email collection into all materials and activities, including meetings, membership cards, petitions, sign-up forms and other materials where contact information is requested; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

The International Union and its affiliates shall integrate the use of the AFL-CIO's Working Families Network, or a similar program, into its legislative, political, organizing and bargaining activities.

SUBMITTED BY:

Darrell Majors, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 3022, Council 18
New Mexico