WHEREAS:

Corporate CEOs and billionaires who have stacked the deck in their favor have pledged to spend millions of dollars in ongoing and future elections; and

WHEREAS:

The power of organizing is the best way to counter the toxicity of the ultra-wealthy in the electoral process; and

WHEREAS:

Workers must unite with a strong political voice to elect candidates that stand up for the rights of working people. Union political programs are essential to maintaining the strength of our union and to defend ourselves from the well-funded attacks on our rights; and

WHEREAS:

Affiliates can encourage political and union activism to fight against these forces through lost-time programs where members are paid their regular salaries while working full time to support the union and our political programs; and

WHEREAS:

Through lost-time programs, participants learn about the importance of a strong and active union, gain deeper knowledge of issues affecting their families and coworkers, and are inspired to take responsibility for their political future; and

WHEREAS:

While volunteers play a critical and varied role in the union, lost-timers are able to devote more time to the political program, build lasting relationships with other activists and ultimately are responsible for driving the program. The commitment of lost-timers to an extended period of time builds political power as they develop as effective advocates for our electoral and legislative work; and

WHEREAS:

Lost-timers generally become effective leaders and recruiters for the PEOPLE program, and play a critical role in member election turn-out.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME affiliates actively recruit more lost-timers for political programs to develop leaders and strengthen our political voice; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That members selected for lost-time programs exhibit dedication to the union, the PEOPLE program and to strengthening political activism.

SUBMITTED BY: Danny J. Homan, President and Delegate

Susie Baker, Executive Vice President and Delegate

AFSCME Council 61

Iowa