WHEREAS:
Clear, effective and timely communications with members, the media, elected officials, and the general public is essential for all modern, vibrant, and active organizations; and

WHEREAS:
Effective communication is especially important to labor unions, which must inspire and  mobilize their members, project our values to the media and elected and other officials, and inform the public about our priorities – all in a hostile political climate and communications context dominated by big corporations and other anti-worker forces; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME is a democratic union that believes that effective communication is one of the best ways to give all of our 1.4 million members the resources and opportunities to participate in the life of their union at every level; and

WHEREAS:
Expanding the communications capacity of affiliates is the most important and effective way to further improve our outreach to members, supporters, and other external audiences such as the media and elected officials.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will help affiliates strengthen their capacity to communicate with their members and all priority audiences through publications, earned and paid media, including seeking out public access television opportunities, the Internet, one-on-one communication in the workplace and other methods by providing staff, leader and member training; distributing toolkits and other resources; assisting with recruitment of communications staff; and providing as needed direct communications support for priority affiliate legislative, political, bargaining, organizing and other campaigns.
 
SUBMITTED BY: Mike Buesing, President and Delegate
Mary Falk, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Council 5
Minnesota