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Factsheets
Your source on political action, legislation & voter info
Coalition Building
For effective legislative and political action activities,
coalition building is essential. The more groups that support or oppose
an issue from a variety of perspectives, the more strength OCSEA/AFSCME
has. When we act alone, our statements and actions can be viewed as self-serving,
or only interest is job security.
How to begin?
- List natural allies (other labor unions, religious,
social service, women's, minority, senior citizens, community minded,
advocacy and other political organizations
- Consider “unusual allies” like county commissioners, mayors, other legislators, former legislators
- Consider the different segments of the community:
Will it affect the local economy, the judicial/legal system, or children?
- Prioritize your potential "allies" by gathering
information on each
- Identify any OCSEA members who belongs or know someone
that belongs to one of these organizations
- Send an introductory letter and arrange for a meeting
- Always consider motivations for the organization
and be prepared for their questions
What can your "allies" do?
- Submit a resolution to local elected officials for
adoption
- Write/sign postcards that you can collect and submit
for them
- Circulate petitions for support among their members
- Telephone or meet with key officials
- Issue joint media statement by "allies"
- Write "letters to the editor"
- Speak at their membership meetings
- Put a member on the coalition's steering committee
(if that formal)
See Related
GRASSROOTS FACTS - District Grassroots Committees
GRASSROOTS FACTS - Hatch Act defines DOs and DON'Ts for
public employees
GRASSROOTS FACTS - ALL
Updated: March 8, 2007
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