2024
Organizing to Win Advisory
In this 2024 updated version, the C4OB organizers have made edits to existing resources and added many new organizing tools and resources to support field staff and local leaders. Designed for both newer and seasoned staff and leaders, these organizing tools and resources follow the campaign mountain sequencing typical in all union organizing campaigns.
Organizing is the most effective strategy for building power to make meaningful change in our work and personal lives. It is primarily through organizing campaigns expanding our base and building power that educators and communities can improve the conditions of teaching and learning; win the public education all our students deserve; and secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society. Central to building a stronger union is organizing around issues educators and communities care about, expanding our leadership base, and cultivating hope that we can make public education better for all educators and students.
During these trying times, it’s also important to remember that internal union democracy, member agency, and fighting for social/racial justice for our students and communities is foundational for winning the schools all students deserve. There are many ongoing organizing opportunities, such as the CTA/NEA community schools program and building community coalitions, that are included in this updated Organizing Advisory.
When We Organize, We Win!
Remember, the power to change your local lies in the ability of your local union to build power through organizing. Reach out to your CTA Primary Contact Staff and C4OB Organizer for support and experienced guidance to help you win your campaign and build a stronger union.
TOOLS FOR BUILDING HIGH MEMBERSHIP PARTICIPATION
High participation is a prerequisite for power: we need unity, tight structures, and demonstrable super-majorities!
The foundation of that requires:
- Planning Your Campaign
-
- Triangle of Power
- Campaign Organizing Plans Template
- Basic Plan
- Detailed Plan (download only)
- Campaign & Strike Build Timeline & Checklist
- Campaign Coordination Plan Example
- Chapter Strength Assessment
- Work Site Strength Assessment
- Engaging Members & Issue Identification
- Union Membership Drives
- Develop a Bargaining Platform & Vision
Are we ready to kick-off our campaign?
- Organizing Conversations to Move Members to Take Action
- Building Organizing Structures at All Sites
- Structure Tests: Unity Building Actions & Pressure Tactics
- Tracking Our Progress
- Communications Plan
Are we ready to escalate our campaign?
- Organizing Conversations
- Building Site Structures
- Begin Strike Build Up
Have we reached peak power (80% +) to continue the campaign, or do we settle?
- Strike Preparation Continues
- CAP Grant Guidelines
- Contact C4OB Organizers for Detailed Strike Prep Materials
- Region 1: Memo Durgin
- Region 2: Caroline Gonzales
- Region 3: Kelly Iwamoto
- Region 4: David Partida
- Strike Authorization Ballots
Do we have a plan for concluding the campaign and for debriefing lessons?
- Ratification & Finalizing Victory
- Best Practices for Concluding Campaign
- “What We Won” Tools
- “What We Won” – Template (download only)
- “What We Won” Examples
- “I’m Voting Yes” Campaign
- Debrief the Campaign with Union Leadership
TOOLS FOR BUILDING LOCAL EDUCATION JUSTICE COALITIONS
- Community Mapping & Planning
- Establish & Train a Community Organizing Committee
- Community Schools
- Parent & Community Events
- Parent & Community Meeting Agenda & Flyer (download only)
- Parent & Community Petition Template & Example
- “By the Numbers” Community Flyers
- Political Action
- Using House Meetings to Build Parent & Community Support
- Building Solidarity with Other Labor Unions