WHEREAS:

AFSCME PEOPLE Committees have as their objective the implementation of successful political, legislative, and fundraising programs designed to meet the needs of AFSCME members and constituent AFSCME organizations within their respective jurisdictions; and

WHEREAS:

The activities of PEOPLE Committees include such vital functions as: (1) the establishment of grassroots lobbying mechanisms to accompany timely and effective responses to local, state and national legislative initiatives, (2) the institutionalization of political fundraising and (3) the development and maintenance of a corps of trained, active political volunteers; and

WHEREAS:

Business and right-wing organizations who oppose labor's interests will continue to spend millions of dollars against us, and the ability to fight anti-labor interests depends on a well-structured PEOPLE organization in every AFSCME council, local and Retiree Chapter in the country; and

WHEREAS:

PEOPLE Committees that have been established in several states across the country have demonstrated their ability to perform activities such as lobbying, screening, endorsing, and campaigning for candidates at all levels of government, and have also demonstrated the awareness and capabilities to raise PEOPLE voluntary funds to finance these activities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME adopt as a national goal the establishment of standing PEOPLE Committees in each local, council and Retiree Chapter; and, where possible, in those states where more than one council exists, those councils will develop a common PEOPLE structure for the purpose of establishing full participation in the state's political process; and that the International Union assist in developing these structures with legal, technical and administrative training where necessary; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That each council director/president submit to the National PEOPLE Committee the names, address and telephone numbers of the PEOPLE Committee chairs for their respective councils and locals.

SUBMITTED BY:

Steve M. Culen, President and Delegate
AFSCME Council 31
Chicago, IL