WHEREAS:

The political, grassroots lobbying and fundraising arm of the union, known as the AFSCME PEOPLE program, plays a vital role in protecting its members from attacks from anti-union and right-wing attacks on AFSCME members;

WHEREAS:

The upcoming elections pose a major challenge to AFSCME in its promotion of workers' rights and the quality of public services;

WHEREAS:

AFSCME must concentrate on building its resources and must begin now to build the kind of war chest that allows AFSCME to wage the kind of campaign we need to protect our members and to reverse the anti-worker trend in government;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That every AFSCME affiliate be encouraged to step up their recruitment efforts in building the PEOPLE program and to promote, as a minimum contribution, participation at the VIP level of contribution ($50 a year), and to encourage even higher levels of contribution;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That affiliates be urged to take advantage of all conventions, conferences and meetings to promote the PEOPLE program, especially through such methods as giving special recognition to the participants at the various meetings who are PEOPLE contributors; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That members attending affiliate conventions, conferences and meetings be given information on the AFSCME PEOPLE program and be encouraged to participate.