ANNOTATION |
This guide covers part of a comprehensive organizing strategy. It is designed to help organizers and their local communities help workers overcome intense opposition from employers by exposing misconduct and by involving neighbors, consumers and community; religious and elected leaders in the struggle to restore the right to organize.
And it is intended to encourage the building of permanent, lasting relationships with the community-to form partnerships that will fundamentally change the status quo.
Many unions-and central labor councils, as part of the AFL-CIO's Union Cities initiative-already are at work strengthening ties with community allies. In community after community powerful alliances are forming to help workers overcome employer opposition and restore the free choice to form unions. Included in this guide are many examples of how these partnerships were formed and the difference they have made in the lives of working families.
This guide draws from the lessons learned on dozens of campaigns in a variety of sectors and industries. It is organized in three parts: Part One offers how-to information and advice for involving the community publicizing the issues, exposing employer misconduct and creating a neutral environment for workers who are trying to organize unions. Part Two focuses on reaching out to community leaders and groups and developing strong relationships. Part Three provides a close-up look at organizing and coalition-building in 11 communities.
While it serves as a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to reaching out and involving the community in organizing campaigns, the manual also can be used as a quick reference to tips, flyer materials, talking points, ideas and inspirations.
It includes:
Practical, step-by-step advice for reaching out to community groups, religious leaders, elected officials, union members and others, recruiting their support, forging partnerships and building long-term relationships.
Ideas and examples of how to expose employers that coerce and intimidate their employees and how to publicize the real stories of workers who are trying to improve their lives.
Tools you can use, such as talking points, checklists, letters and other sample materials.
How-to tips for staging events and reaching out to the media.
Case studies demonstrating what has worked in 11 organizing campaigns around the country
A list of related resources available from the AFL-CIO can be found on page 116. |