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Union Works 

The Nuts and Bolts of Union Membership
Read the bold parts for the general gist. Read the rest for the nuance.

Why Unions Engage in Politics

6/30/2022

 

By T. Gallaher

As more national, state, and local political issues impact our classrooms, it is important to understand how and why unions engage in political advocacy on behalf of their members. Let’s start with why. Political advocacy is an essential role that unions play in order to influence policy, elections, and working conditions that impact us all. Ultimately, we do not have the power to make decisions at the state and local level, but we do have the power to influence those decisions and make sure that our voices are heard. Acting as a collective ensures that we are a part of the process.
​

In terms of how education unions engage in political advocacy, there are a variety of methods such as forming Political Action Committees (PACs), lobbying lawmakers, endorsing candidates, and providing oversight. PACs have been around since the 1940s, and describe organizations whose purpose is to raise and spend money to influence elections or legislation. Along with raising money to support candidates, unions also give organizational endorsements to certain candidates that share our values and priorities. Lobbying is any activity which seeks to influence government decision making. Education unions, like many organizations, lobby lawmakers in order to preserve our collective bargaining rights, workplace safety, and the overall educational environment we seek to promote.

​Generally, lobbying involves forming relationships with lawmakers and providing them with information and perspective from those in education. Finally, unions play a role in providing oversight for the government by ensuring that our rights are guaranteed and acting as a check on policy makers.

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    ​Editor:

    ​Lucas Spriggs

    Proud alumnus, union member, and educator in District #201 since 2006.

    Contributors 

    Brandon Hentze, Ph.D.

    Dr. Hentze is the author of High Finance with Hentze, a monthly blog that provides news about District 201's current financial state.

    Lucas Spriggs

    Lucas Spriggs is the author of the Union Works newsletter, which includes posts in three series: "Get Organized," "Get Represented," and "Get Informed."

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  • Home
  • About
  • Executive Council
  • Blog
  • Giving
  • For Members
  • How Unions Work
  • More
    • Financial
    • Insurance
    • Newsletter
    • FAQ's
    • Documents >
      • Donation Request
      • Expense Report
      • Professional Dev. Request
    • Executive Council Guide
    • Links >
      • IFT Member Benefits
      • Landrum-Griffin Act (LMRDA)
      • Facebook Group
      • AFT Member Benefits
      • Know Your Legislators
      • Board of Education
      • District Main Page
      • Contact Your Legislators