WHEREAS:
In August 2006, the International Union launched a new website with a new design, navigation, architecture, features and up-to-date technology.  Traffic to www.afscme.org has steadily climbed to nearly 60,000 unique visitors each month; and

WHEREAS:
In August 2006, AFSCME also launched Greenline, the AFSCME blog, to expand our online program to provide more information to members more quickly; and

WHEREAS:
Three-quarters of the American population is now online and participation cuts across generational, geographical, racial and economic lines. The Internet is becoming an increasingly popular source of political news for Americans and has now become a leading source of campaign news for young people; and

WHEREAS:
Tens of thousands of AFSCME members have taken part in online actions on critical issues such as health care, privatization, budget and tax priorities, organizing, bargaining and politics; and

WHEREAS:
There is extraordinary potential to engage the thousands of AFSCME online activists in “offline” local union activities, such as phone banking and grassroots lobbying, at unprecedented levels; and 

WHEREAS:
New media technologies are constantly changing and fresh ones developing, which require constant upgrading and enhancement of online programs; and

WHEREAS:
The International is meeting an ever-growing need among affiliates for online communications tools, information and support by providing the GetActive email/advocacy software and training to affiliates, sharing online best practices information through periodic affiliate conference calls, meetings and an e-newsletter.  AFSCME affiliates and locals have expressed a need for websites that are easy to create and maintain with more up-to-date technology and features; and

WHEREAS:
More than one-third of members surveyed said they would like to receive more e-mail communications from their local union.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
The International Union will continue to invest in and expand its online program so that the union has the best online communications program and website in the labor movement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
Affiliates will endeavor to collect and maintain updated e-mail addresses of members, and include e-mail addresses as part of the information collected about new members on dues check-off cards; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
The International Union will continue to support the online efforts of affiliates by providing technical and strategic resources and support, and creating and using new tools and technologies.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Eddie Parks, President, and Delegate
Kathleen M. Stewart, Secretary-Treasurer and Delegate
OCSEA/AFSCME Local 11
Ohio