WHEREAS:
Meaningful and empowered political expression is one of the most precious and important forms of freedom of speech; and

WHEREAS:
Public employees in general and AFSCME members in particular are directly affected by initiatives, laws, and budgets passed at all levels of government; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME members, more so than other unions' members, have the opportunity to directly affect their conditions of employment through the political process, including the right to bargain collectively; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME's membership is the finest expression of the diversity of America; and

WHEREAS:
An important part of AFSCME's diversity are the members who self identify as conservatives; and

WHEREAS:
Conservative AFSCME members in Council 28 (WFSE/AFSCME) have found full expression and participation working within Council 28 through the creation of a WFSE Conservative Caucus; and

WHEREAS:
The activities of the WFSE Conservative Caucus in its first year has not only provided Conservative WFSE members with a valuable means of self expression but contributed to achievement of resounding bipartisan support for and passage of crucial legislation, such as voluntary paycheck deduction for PEOPLE and protection of full rights to engage in union communications in the workplace; and

WHEREAS:
The future is brighter and better for all WFSE members because of the efforts of the WFSE Conservative Caucus; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME as a whole could benefit from a better understanding of the needs and concerns of its members who self-identify as conservatives.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME create a working group of affiliate leaders and members, staffed by the Political Action Department, to study and report on ways to address the concerns of conservative members and to enhance their identification with their union.  The working group will prepare a report for the International Executive Board.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY:
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
John Geppert, President and Delegate
Donald Vaughan, Vice President and Delegate
Shellie Savage, Secretary
AFSCME Local 443, Council 28
Washington