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How to Make Union Meetings Interesting and Useful
Parker, Mike; Gruelle, Martha
http://www.labornotes.org/2016/11/how-make-union-meetings-interesting-and-usefulDate Written: 2016-11-04 Publisher: Labor Notes Year Published: 2016 Resource Type: Article Cx Number: CX20108 Meetings should give members a sense of power by bringing them together. They can see and feel that they are not alone, that others have similar problems, and that others have found solutions. They can learn from each other, combine ideas, and build something bigger. Abstract: Excerpt: Meetings should give members a sense of power by bringing them together. They can see and feel that they are not alone, that others have similar problems, and that others have found solutions. Meetings should give members the opportunity to observe leaders and potential leaders in action. They can learn from each other, combine ideas, and build something bigger. ... Although many officers fret about low attendance levels, it is not necessary for democracy that all or most members attend membership meetings. Except at contract time and for other special events, most locals will see only a relatively small, dedicated minority at monthly meetings. Meetings, especially on a regular basis, are not for everyone. ... That means that the success of a meeting is not measured simply by the number attending, but by how that meeting contributes to the control, involvement, activism, and self-confidence of all the members, both those present and those not. What "comes out of" the meeting -- the plans made, assignments taken, feedback received -- are more important than the meeting itself. Subject Headings |