Workshopping
Delegates discovered those hard-to-find items that made the best gifts for the members back home.
The crisis in America's cities-budget cuts, downsizing and privatization-were problems that Ann Cohen, Philadelphia Local 1633 president, had in common with delegates from around the country on the first day of Convention workshops.
Cohen was among hundreds who attended "The Real Economic Issues Behind the '96 Election and How it Affects Your Pocketbook," a workshop of such critical importance that it was held in 11 places concurrently on Tuesday so that all delegates could attend.
Delegates like Cohen came away with a clearer idea of how the current wave of corporate greed in the private sector is impacting on public sector unions. "The economic ripple effect is wreaking havoc on our infrastructure," she said.
Cohen and other delegates also learned there is good news: AFSCME and its members can make a difference. Here's how: by building coalitions to demand corporate accountability, by making the minimum wage a living wage, by strengthening labor laws and by giving working families better access to health insurance and pensions.
Delegates picked up lots of other information and skills to take to the folks back home. These workshops were especially useful:
Political Jeopardy-the Game of Official Facts, Trivia and Knowledge. Modeled on the television show "Jeopardy." Participants tested their knowledge of politics.
Making Companies Put Their Money Where Their Mouths Are: So You Want a New Stadium? Focused on taxpayers who are asked to subsidize large employers or local professional sports teams so they will move in or stay.
*Fighting Sexual Harassment. What AFSCME can do to prevent sexual harassment and how victims can be helped.
*Competing Successfully in the World of Medicaid Managed Care. Explored strategies to make fall-back care providers more competitive in the lean and mean world of managed care and privatization.
*The Americans with Disabilities Act and Workplace Injuries. Workers' rights under ADA and OSHA and how these laws can prevent workplace injuries.
Safety Net for Sale: Privatization of Social Services. Why certain functions can't be contracted out; how to expose questionable practices of businesses that seek to provide social services.
The Contract with America and Beyond. An "inside the beltway" view of what's happening in Congress on health care, tax reform and a balanced budget.
Building Grass Roots Lobbying Networks. Message development, volunteer recruitment and identification, training and reward systems.
*Stress Management. The effects of stress at home and at work. How to convert stress into positive, constructive energy.
Building Numbers, Building Strength. Steps locals can take to increase the size and power of the union.
Redesigning Government. Opportu-nities and challenges associated with redesigning government, including quality improvement programs and worker empowerment initiatives.
Effective Leadership Skills. The use of effective leadership styles to develop stronger local unions through increased membership participation.
*Workforce Protections Under Assault. Legal rights of American workers in both public and private sectors under assault by Congressional extremists and employer groups.
Gay and Lesbian Issues. Discrimination, assaults on existing civil rights protections and bargaining for domestic partners' benefits.
Community Resources and Labor Issues. Public policy issues such as downsizing, privatization, facility closures and the economic impact associated with workers and the community.
Hey, It's a Raid: Protecting Your Bargaining Unit Through Articles XX and XXI of the AFL-CIO Constitution. The internal dispute resolution process available to AFL-CIO affiliates that protects established collective bargaining relationships as well as new organizing campaigns from raids by AFL-CIO affiliates.
Organizing AFSCME Retirees. The nuts and bolts of building a chapter or starting a new one, along with highlights of current retiree activities nationwide.
Contracting Out, Privatization and Competitive Bidding. Knowledge and tools to protect one of the most dangerous threats to public employee and health care jobs.
*Elder Care: Preparing for the Role of Caregiver. How caregivers can plan housing options, use community resources and respond to crises.
*Family and Medical Leave Act. A review of the act plus ways councils and locals can use the law to develop effective bargaining strategies.
AFSCME Advantage. The "Members-Only" AFSCME Advantage benefit program currently available through the International as well as similar programs developed by affiliates.
By Venida RaMar Marshall
*Denotes courses worth 1.5 Continuing Education Units per workshop participation for RNs and LPNs. This effort was co-sponsored by AFSCME, the American Nurses Association, the National Association for Practical Nurses Education Services and Professional Update, a continuing education services agency.
