This past week, delegates from across the U.S. and Canada met in Vancouver, British Columbia, to discuss the union’s strategy for staying on the forefront of 21st century communications.
“There is no question about what’s more important to the local lodge,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger to the full room of local and district Communicators, Educators and Web Stewards. “It’s all in communication. The passing of information is the future.”
Speakers included General Vice President Rich Michalski as Chairperson of the Conference, Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie, General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart, and former Senator Hillary Clinton’s Chief of Staff Tamera Luzzatto.
The highlight of this year’s Conference was the unveiling and launch of GoIAM 3.0, the new IAM Web site at www.goiam.org. In addition to a new look and user-friendly layout, features include an interactive video wall and the ability to comment, rank and share stories. The IAM’s electronic newsletter, iMail, has been converted into a blog. And, the new site includes improved searching capabilities through the use of keywords, also known as “tags.”
“Our goal is to bring IAM communications into the 21st century and better stake our claim in conversations important to our members and working families,” said IAM Communications Director Rick Sloan. “Right now, there are conversations taking place all over the Web on everything from jobs to the Employee Free Choice Act to health care. Incorporating social networking tools such as a blog, comment fields, story rankings and content sharing will ensure our message is heard – at viral speed.”
Along with the new site, the IAM has also launched official Facebook and Twitter pages. For important union news and updates, visit us on our Facebook fan page by going here. To follow us on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/machinistsunion and click “follow.”