Public Employee Press

Cyberactivism
Local 372 moves forward into cyberspace

Over two decades ago, Local 372 pioneered the use of political phone banks at DC 37. For years, it has used newsletters and PEP to get the union message to its members.

Now, the local is aggressively moving into cyberspace.

At the beginning of the year, the local closed its old, ho-hum website, concluding that it wasn't graphically appealing or interactive enough.

The new site, still under design but up and running, lets members ask questions, learn about benefi ts and Education Dept. rules and regulations, get phone numbers for union services and visit a special section for shop stewards.

Local President Santos Crespo Jr. posts messages regularly, which Spanish-speaking members can translate with the click of a button.

"We want to keep our members up to date with how Local 372 is fighting for them," Crespo said. "It's our hope that the latest technology and social media will encourage more folks to get involved."

Sonny Isbilir coordinates the local's communications operations, working with Crespo, Membership Coordinator Omi Gillespie, Secretary Norelis Santiago and Political Action Coordinator Josefa Febrillet-Barr, editor of the local newsletter, which he posts on the website, www.local372.org. PEP Photographer Clarence Elie-Rivera helped the local with the communications initiative. The local also has a Facebook page (type "Facebook" and "Local 372" in Google.) Recently, the page included "When will the insanity stop?" - a statement by Crespo criticizing school closings.

Crespo also sends messages to members through the local's computerized phone bank.