WHEREAS:
AFSCME members are called to work in public service not for fame, but to make their communities stronger, safer and better; and
WHEREAS:
Every AFSCME member has an important story to tell about serving the public and helping their communities, and it is those individual stories that connect us together; and
WHEREAS:
Powerful special interests funnel millions of dollars into sophisticated campaigns targeting public sector workers; and
WHEREAS:
Those same special interests have allies in state legislatures, governors’ mansions, Congress and the courts who are making it difficult for workers to come together and negotiate as a union; and
WHEREAS:
To counter these attacks, we need a broad capacity for traditional and new media communications tools and strategies at the national and affiliate levels; and
WHEREAS:
These tools and strategies will support one-on-one organizing and make us stronger; and
WHEREAS:
AFSCME members’ stories of dedication to public service and their commitment to never quit working for their communities is our most powerful antidote to these attacks; and
WHEREAS:
After an exhaustive research effort and communication with members and stakeholders across AFSCME, we have developed a powerful brand story that honors our members’ commitment to public service; and
WHEREAS:
America’s communities never rest, and for people proudly committed to the public service that makes America happen, we never quit.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
AFSCME affiliates at all levels will embrace our story and exalt in our commitment to our communities and public service by participating in our branding campaign; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
AFSCME will work to train members and staff at all levels of the union to use the brand story and brand campaigns to connect and inspire members and create a greater understanding of the value of their service among the public; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
AFSCME will create and provide toolkits with customizable digital and print materials, including emails, social media posts, flyers and more, that affiliates, locals and councils can use to tell their members’ stories effectively; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
AFSCME will undertake further efforts to expand our communications capacity at all levels to meet the expectations of a modern, 21st century union.
SUBMITTED BY: INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD