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Learn about the proven method of Relational Organizing, also known as the Constant Organizing Goals method, to build power based on mutual self-interests and achieve success in addressing health issues. This presentation provides a brief look at organizing around health issues and the key steps involved.
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A Brief Look at Organizing Around Health Issues Presented by: Caryn Coss, CTA NODD Specialist, Region 2 Mark DeWeerdt, CTA Regional UniServ Staff, Region 1 Created/Authored by: Bob Lindquist, Jeff Wahlquist, Mike Horner, Jim Essman, and Steve Pulkkinen/National Staff Organization, PPT by Jesus Escandon
Generalizations: • THE most effective union representation is grounded on a proven, logical method, “Relational Organizing.” • Relational Organizing is also referred to as the Constant Organizing Goals method (“the COG method”). • ALL GOOD “Organizing” is or includes “Relational Organizing.”
Generalizations: Organizing is about an outcome. Building power based on mutual, shared self-interests. But it is not about “touchy feely” feelings.
Nature of Organizing A COG cycle consists of four logical, sequential steps:
The Right Way There is almost never a single, one “right” way in organizing.
Power precedes Program LISTEN Why? What? How? What if? COG? Who? Relationships Plan What is our goal(s)? Constant Organizing Goals Evaluate New Leaders Communications Alliances Evolving ProgramsParity-Power What was our goal(s)? COG? Accountability LISTEN What did we learn? What worked? What could’ve been better? LISTEN The Iron Rule Act Organize --> Mobilize
The COG Method All effective Organizing includes: • Identifying and developing new union leaders; • Ongoing communication with our members and with our allies; • Building power for parity with the union’s employer adversary; and • Evolving programs.
The LISTEN Step The “LISTEN” Step: • Exchanging “stories” • “One-on-one” conversations. • Learn and develop the story common to the union’s members. • Organizers share their own values, interests, and desired futures. • Through this sharing, organizers can lead.
The LISTEN Step The LISTEN step: • Provides feed-back on the members’ interests. • Builds “public relationships” between the union and its members. • Establishes “public relationships” to put the union on a solid, dependable footing.
The COG Method All effective Organizing includes: Saul Alinsky’s Iron Rule: “Never do for others, what they can do for themselves.”
The PLAN Step The “PLAN”Step: • Identify Goals of the union’s members. • Formulate measurable Objectives. • Develop Strategies to achieve those Objectives. • Select Tactics to implement the Strategies.
The ACT Step The “ACT” Step consists of whatever it takes to achieve a union’s Objectives. Often this is “action” to: • Develop and deploy organizing strategies • Mobilize unit members • Employ pressure tactics
The ACT Step Multi-faceted Action involves the Strategies and Tactics of: • Organizing • Bargaining • Litigation
The EVALUATE Step The “EVALUATE” Step where Unions: • Assess the accuracy of their perception of members' Goals • Measure their progress toward Objectives • Assess and adjust their Strategies • Assess and adjust their Tactics
The Evaluate Step In the “Evaluate” Step, unions also consider & reflect on: The big picture - THE ONLY effective way a union can learn.
The Evaluate Step After each action, evaluate to determine: • What did we accomplish? • What did we fail to accomplish, yet? • What did we do right / well? • What could we have done better? • What did we learn?
COG Method & Progress Organizing using the COG method is a dynamic tool for progress. Each cycle: • Leads directly to the beginning of the next • Adds to a union’s knowledge, power, and experience base • Advances a union and moves it closer to achieving its objectives
Conclusion: Use the Constant Organizing Goals to build your union: