We all know that membership density brings clout within an agency and at the bargaining table, but for some Locals, it’s difficult to know where to start. There are a number of steps and strategies that your Local can utilize in order to increase your organizing success. Some pointers, like talking face-to-face to potential members, are universal. Others suggestions may vary in their effectiveness based on the specific conditions at your Local. This is why it is so important for your Local to develop your own unique Organizing Strategic Plan!
There are several components to an Organizing Strategic Plan. A strong plan begins with an evaluation of your current situation and an assessment of your resources and potential challenges, then sets quantifiable goals and develops a timeline to help you stay on track. Putting all of these parts into place will help you not only continue to grow your Local, but get the best possible return on the time you invest.
If you already have a Local Organizing Committee, developing an organizing plan for your Local would be a perfect task for that group. But if you have not yet formed a committee, do not let that stop you from creating a plan of action for organizing. You and the officers of your Local know better than anyone what works for your members and what doesn’t. Any officers and members who are interested in organizing can sit down and draft a plan for the Local.
More guidance on developing an Organizing Strategic Plan at the Local level will be coming soon from the NFFE National Office. In the meantime, start thinking about where your Local is now, and what you’d like to accomplish in the future.
Contact your National Organizing Coordinator (see map) if you have any questions, or would like to talk about developing an Organizing Strategic Plan for your Local.
| Western Region (Purple) | Eastern Region (Blue) |
|
Cassie Kerner |
Brittany Paull |