Public Employee Press

Book Review
"To win change, reach out to members and communities"

"How To Jump-Start Your Union: Lessons from the Chicago Teachers," is a book about how Chicago teachers rebuilt their union and won a strike victory with the help of the community. The book, which is available at the DC 37 Library, taught me to "think outside the box" when organizing members and working with the community. The challenges the CTU faced are similar to those public-sector workers face everywhere.

I learned that to be successful, we must function as organizers, not politicians, and avoid shallow mobilizing where people are only asked to take action at a specific time. We must continually find ways to get members involved.

We sometimes forget to listen to the voices of the members. We need to ask them about issues involving the workplace, community, health, finances, education, career development, child/parent care and support, harassment/abuse, and depression. These conversations strengthen and support the member and the union.

I understand the importance of having strong, active union leadership. With the attacks against us on all sides of government, a strong union is vital in maintaining our health benefits, job security, wages, and retirement benefits. It is vital in maintaining our way of life.

We must continue to reach out to members and communities to bring about change with our words and actions and show that WE ARE ONE!

Union members and leaders must continue to sit at the table with community leaders to discuss ways of making life better for everyone — such as community events, beautification projects, health fairs, food or clothing drives and job fairs. We can start these on our own and ask union leaders for support.

It is important to inform the community that we are not the enemy and stress the importance of working together. We must show that labor is working hard to ensure that they get all the benefits available.

Union members provide services needed by neighborhoods, communities and the entire city. In turn, without them we have no jobs. The 1 percent who control the country's wealth are fighting us and hurting those who need the services we provide, so we must unite and fight back together.

I learned from the CTU that this is often a long, hard fight. It is critical for the future of our union to train and develop the next generation of activists and leaders. The Next Wave Committee has been a source of strength and needs to be developed further.

We can no longer wait for someone else to stand up and take action. We must say, "Enough is enough," and take that first step. No matter how hard or long the battle, it will strengthen us and let us fight for change on our own terms. When we wait for others, we give away our rights and our voice.

No one can speak for you, but you. What are you going to say? What are you going to do?

— Tracye Hawthorne
Local 1549