Is Union Organizing For You?
Union organizing requires certain skills, long hours and time away from home. It can be exhausting work but it’s also incredibly satisfying. Is it worth the sacrifice? Ask yourself these questions to find out………
1. Do you have good people skills?
Would you describe yourself as being a good listener, communicator or persuader? As an organizer you will need to have all of these skills because you will be reaching out to workers as well as employers and asking them to take a chance on a better future. These are skills that would be valued by any organization trying to gain influence and market share. It takes a certain type of individual to motivate people to embrace change.
2. Are you a self starter?
For you to be an effective organizer you are going to have to get out in the field and make contact with the people doing the work. You can’t wait to be told what to do. You have to have a plan. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take orders or be team player, on the contrary. You just don’t have the luxury of waiting around for things to happen by themselves.
3. Are you outgoing?
Approaching workers on a jobsite or contractors at their office requires an organizer to put oneself out there. You have to be comfortable with yourself in order to make the contacts needed to be successful. This is not for the faint of heart. You’re going to have to deal with a lot of rejection. You will need to be able to brush it off and not take it personal. Then come back again and again until the person is ready because you understand the value of organizing.
4. Are you an active member?
Although some unions hire outside the union most require that you are already a member because it’s believed that a person will have a vested interest in the success of the organization. Being an active member means regularly attending meetings, activities and volunteering your time to help your union gain strength. Make an effort to volunteer on a picket line or on a precinct walk. Find some way to contribute your time and talents.
5. Are you already organizing?
Are you referring candidates? Are you referring contractors? You may be surprised to hear it described as organizing, but that is what you are doing, recruiting people to consider a better more profitable way of working and conducting business.
Hopefully these questions have shed some light on the subject of union organizing and helped you discover if union organizing is for you. The labor movement needs activists dedicated to increasing its membership and influence. If this describes you, consider union organizing for a career. It can be very challenging and rewarding.
