WHEREAS:

One measure of the union's strength is well-trained, active, and effective stewards, leaders, and activists; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME's stewards, leaders, and activists must meet the challenge of increasingly severe assaults on the union and its members; and

WHEREAS:

Effective training programs are an important means to equip AFSCME's stewards, leaders, and activists with the knowledge and skills they need to confront these challenges; and

WHEREAS:

The Local Union Training Instructor (LUTI) program, by training rank-and-file AFSCME activists to conduct basic steward training, has been a valuable resource enabling the trainers to develop new skills while providing large numbers of stewards with needed training; and

WHEREAS:

The utilization of a training-the-trainers approach to new training needs of the union such as AIDS and Commercial Drivers License (CDL) training has been an effective way to enable the maximum number of members to participate; and

WHEREAS:

Training activists to conduct training programs on a wide variety of topics will enable the union to meet the increasing demand for training as well as for them to develop new skills and abilities; and

WHEREAS:

An organizing model of the union stresses the active involvement of members in the planning and conducting education and training work of the union.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International Union expand its training-the-trainers programs beyond the scope of the Local Union Training Instructor (LUTI) steward training programs so that the greatest number of stewards, leaders, activists and potential activists can receive needed training; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME affiliates be encouraged to develop groups of rank-and-file trainers to expand the union's capability to provide high quality training for all those who want and need it.

SUBMITTED BY:

Art Weese, President
Suzanne Dumas, Secretary
AFSCME Council 97
Arizona