'50/50' On-Site Organizing Program

The “50/50” On-Site Organizing Program is an organizing partnership between the national APWU and local and state organizations. Under this program, the union’s national headquarters will reimburse locals and state organizations 50 percent of the cost of organizing campaigns conducted at postal facilities in their jurisdiction.

Officers interested in launching such a campaign should contact Organization Director Frank A. Romero, at (202) 842-4227, as soon as possible.

The Program

The “50/50” On-Site Organizing Program is an intensive, high-profile, project that emphasizes one-on-one communication with potential members. The 50/50 program requires the full participation of APWU local and state presidents, and welcomes assistance from APWU Regional Coordinators and National Business Agents.

Local and state organizations wishing to participate must:

• Submit a “sign-on” form, indicating interest in the program;
  
  
• Create an active organizing committee;
  
  
• Establish a strong budget for the campaign;
  
  
• Provide a plan of action; and,
  
  
• Agree to accountability procedures established by the national union.

Once the Organization Department approves the plan, the national union will:

• Assist locals/states in developing a strategy for the campaign;
  
  
• Help lead an orientation session for officers, stewards and activists who will participate;
  
  
• Assist locals/states in customizing the campaign, based on local conditions;
  
  
• Develop goals, tasks, and follow-up procedures; and,
  
  
• Reimburse 50 percent of organizing costs at the conclusion of the campaign.

How It Works

The 50/50 campaigns start with strategy and accountability meetings with the local Executive Board and organizing committee. An orientation session is held with all organizers, including officers, stewards, and activist members who participate.

Creating a high-profile union presence is critical to the success of the program. Intensive one-on-one communication is also crucial.

Union booths are set-up in common areas, such as cafeterias and swing rooms, with several organizers at each location. Incentive drawings and announcements are scheduled for peak times. These are round-the-clock campaigns, with different teams working different shifts for a designated period of time. Organizing drives are conducted concurrently at several postal sites within the local’s jurisdiction.

A critical aspect of the program is establishing membership appreciation events, such as drawings in which union members on every tour have a chance to participate. This gives officers and organizers an opportunity to provide information to members and to solicit their help in the organizing drive. At the booths, APWU organizers can counsel members on the contract and other matters, show them non-member lists, and recruit them as on-tour organizers.

Incentives

Incentive programs will be customized for each local, and can feature cash or product giveaways, if they are included in the original campaign plan.

Expenses

When a campaign is completed, a local or state office must submit a Secretary-Treasurer’s Accountability Report that includes detailed receipts with proof of payment, documentation, and additional information listed below. APWU National Headquarters will cover 50 percent of the following expenses:

• Non-member mailings (including printing and postage costs);
  
  
• Prizes associated with membership appreciation drawings during the campaigns only;
  
  
• Cash incentives awarded to new members and the stewards, officers, and members who sign them up. (Copy of 1187 form should be attached with a list of awardees, new members, and award amount. In addition, verification of form of payment is also required. Any award that exceeds $600 requires Social Security Number of individual for tax purposes.);
  
  
• Coffee, donuts, soda, snacks and even pizza, if refreshments are provided at the booth and are part of the original on-site action plan. (Number of people, location and date of event required in payment request.)
  
  
• State organizations can apply for reimbursement of mileage and hotel only if part of original plan of action.

Unless otherwise authorized by headquarters before the campaign, reimbursement for LWOP is the responsibility of the local or state office.

(Locals that lack the funds or other resources necessary for such a campaign may apply for financial assistance from the Organization Department.)

Results

Organization Department reviews have shown that more that 95 percent of new members recruited during on-site campaigns stay in the union, and locals that have participated have given the program high marks.

So, don’t delay, sign-up non-members today!