WHEREAS:

AFSCME's new organizing model and organizing communications program helped increase AFSCME's win rate in new member campaigns in 1999; and

WHEREAS:

Future organizing success depends on effective organizing communications throughout the union; and

WHEREAS:

Effective communications also are critical in the fight against privatization and in legislative and political affairs; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME has joined the new AFL-CIO internet community called Workingfamilies.com. This internet community has been created to help bring more working families online and "wire" them to a wide range of internet services--services that will give them a stronger voice in their workplaces, in their communities and in government and provide the union with new tools for communicating and mobilizing.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International Union commits to further improving the communications capacities of its councils, locals and other affiliates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union through its Public Affairs Department will continue to provide strategic communications assistance to its affiliates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Public Affairs Department will create an AFSCME Media Network to connect via the Internet all media relations staff of AFSCME and its affiliates; will provide spokesperson training; will revitalize the AFSCME Local Editors Program (ALEP); will expand its Communicating to Organize program; and, working with the Research and Collective Bargaining Services Department, will expand the use of the International Union's website to provide information for communications campaigns; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the International will explore the best and most effective ways to use the new tools provided by the Workingfamilies.com community, including the AFSCME portal page, to increase communications, to enhance our fight against privatization, to strengthen our legislative and political operations, and to mobilize members and organize new workers.

SUBMITTED BY:

Michael D. Murphy, President and Delegate
Robert W. Lyons, Executive Director and Delegate 
AFSCME Council 40
Wisconsin