Boots on the Ground Volunteer Political Activism

RESOLUTION 2015 - # 20

“BOOTS ON THE GROUND” – VOLUNTEER POLITICAL ACTIVISM

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Committee Recommendation___do pass______Convention Action___approve______

WHEREAS:

The hallmark of a healthy economy is a thriving middle class which is made possible by the kind of family-friendly benefit and living wage jobs which are provided by unionized public and private sector employers; and

WHEREAS:

Due to recent political union busting attacks on both public and private sector employees, the median standard of living has been deteriorating; and

WHEREAS:

Organized labor needs to combat this alarming political trend - not just by bestowing political contributions and independent expenditures but by stepping up our volunteer political activism efforts and simply getting more “boots on the ground”. Our fellow union brothers and sisters need to organize, work in solidarity and volunteer their time to effect positive political change in our Local, State and Federal governments; and

WHEREAS:

While large corporations have political clout and superior financial resources, it is imperative that working people use the tools we have available to influence the political process. The best tool we have is to simply get involved, volunteer our time, stand united and to make our voices heard; and

WHEREAS:

Organized labor from both the public and private sectors must work together; thereby, getting fellow members politically involved via “boots on the ground” efforts which include volunteering for doorbell ringing, sign waiving, phone banking, distributing campaign literature and/or simply educating their friends/neighbors on political issues; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That Council 2 continue to support and recognize the importance of these volunteer political activities while working in concert with our brothers and sisters in both the public and private sectors to improve the lives of all working people. That in these times of union destruction by moneyed interests, solidarity means that ALL organized labor must be working together for the common good; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That Council 2, along with its affiliates and members, continue its commitment to these volunteer “boots on the ground” political activism efforts and the united voice of organized labor working in solidarity for positive political change.

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Committee Recommendation___do pass______Convention Action___approve______

Respectfully Submitted:

Glenda Vogt

Local 1553-S

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Committee Recommendation___do pass______Convention Action___approve______