POLITICAL ACTION THAT DIDN’T WORK

TESTED POLITICAL ACTION APPROACH

Fewer than half members registered; many of them didn’t turn out; many of them voted for anti-worker candidates; low political fund contribution rates

More members participate through forums, rallies, phone banks, canvassing, registering and voting, giving money

Politicians did not think leaders spoke for members

Politicians have to listen

Many Democrats took us for granted; many Republicans wrote us off

Politicians have strong incentives to take action for working people

COMMUNICATION THAT DIDN’T WORK

COMMUNICATION MEMBERS WANT

Sales pitch told members how to vote; many members resented and didn’t follow those endorsements

Present documented research on the issues and the candidates’ track records  so members can decide for themselves – plus a matter-of-fact recommendation based on that research

Promoted candidates based on party or on official union support, not on actions on issues

Hold all candidates accountable on issues important to working people

Communicated only at election time, so voting not a natural extension of ongoing issue work

Year-round action and communication on issues, yielding more involvement at election time

Priorities set by “the union” and union leaders picked the candidates, so many members felt like spectators

Members asked their priorities and involved in questioning candidates

Candidate and leader voices dominate materials; members see no role for themselves

Worker voices on issues and their experiences in getting involved, providing role models for others

Candidate and leader photos

Photos of members taking action; show candidates listening to members

Mainly through the mail

Mainly at the worksite for two-way communication