WHEREAS:

In 2002, 33 U.S. Senate seats, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and numerous state and local offices will be up for election. There are now 16 states that have passed campaign laws requiring labor unions to use voluntary money for state and local elections. It is crucial that AFSCME participate fully in these elections to protect AFSCME members' jobs, wages, benefits and working conditions; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME PEOPLE Committees work to implement successful political, legislative, and fund-raising programs. PEOPLE Committees establish grassroots lobbying programs to respond effectively to local, state and national legislative initiatives. PEOPLE Committees develop and maintain a corps of trained, active political volunteers and institutionalize political fundraising. PEOPLE Committees have demonstrated their ability to screen, endorse and campaign for candidates for office and to lobby elected officials. PEOPLE Committees have also demonstrated their skill in raising PEOPLE voluntary funds; and

WHEREAS:

Business and right-wing organizations that oppose labor's interests will continue to spend millions of dollars against us, and our ability to fight anti-labor interests depends on a well-structured PEOPLE organization in every AFSCME council, local and retiree chapter in the country.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME adopt as a national goal, the establishment of standing PEOPLE Committees in each local, council and retiree chapter. In those states where more than one council exists, those councils, with the assistance of the International, will develop a joint PEOPLE structure to ensure full participation in the state's political process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That each council and local Director/President submit to the national PEOPLE Committee the name, address and telephone number of the PEOPLE Committee chairs from their respective councils and locals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME members, through the PEOPLE Program, will continue their excellent political and fundraising work by striving toward a PEOPLE fundraising goal of at least $2.50 per member per year for the 2002 elections; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That affiliates will make it a top priority to reach a minimum goal of 10% participation in the PEOPLE Program at the VIP level. Affiliates currently at or above 10% participation should strive to increase participation an additional 5%.

SUBMITTED BY:

INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD