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Member engagement

laurieadkin
Sun, 25 Oct 2015 01:17:10 GMT

All large associations face similar problems with regard to the engagment and mobilisation of their members. In my area of research these are called problems of "dialogical collective action." Unions are no exception, and for them to have bargaining power and power to influence policy, they need to have informed and engaged members. So, how can AASUA be restructured to be more effective in both representing and mobilising its members?

laurieadkin
Sun, 25 Oct 2015 01:19:14 GMT

Hierarchical organizations in which power is exercized by the executive through control of information are very good at alienating their memberships. The "flatter" the decision-making structure, the more opportunities there are for people to feel that they can have a meaningful role in decision outcomes.

laurieadkin
Sun, 25 Oct 2015 01:22:51 GMT

The default practice regarding information should be openness and transparency. There should be clear criteria for determining what must be confidential and for what periods of time. Likewise, the bylaws should specify what is to be recorded and how. Without records, an institution has no memory, no capacity for learning from experience, and no means to hold decision-makers accountable for their actions (or inactions).

laurieadkin
Sun, 25 Oct 2015 04:32:25 GMT

VP Communications and Member Engagement meets with new hires (members) to introduce them to the Association.

laurieadkin
Sun, 25 Oct 2015 04:33:22 GMT

AASUA publishes an annual report on its activities and accomplishments, including a review of the types of grievance cases it has handled, and the advocacy work it has done.

laurieadkin
Sun, 01 Nov 2015 05:29:06 GMT

Anolther idea that has come forward in the deliberations is that AASUA should create a members' forum on its website for uncensored discussion of issues of interest to the membership. Something "horizontal" is needed, rather than a solely top-down approach to communications.

Al Da
Tue, 03 Nov 2015 20:54:15 GMT

We should have an assembly once a semester (December and April/May or September and January) where we learn about and debate what issues are of concern in the near, medium, and long term in order to gain insight from a variety of people and different constituencies. For these meetings, all members should receive an email with an agenda, minutes from the previous meeting, and information related to any motions that must be voted upon or any matters like negotiation updates, etc. This will allow folks to be more informed, even if they don't attend. Moreover, we should be able to suggest items for the agenda that are of concern to the different constituencies or the agenda should be created by council based on what they are hearing from the constituency as issues that have arisen. Also, shouldn't every department have the equivalent of a "shop steward" or AASUA rep who brings concerns to council and also reports back to departments during department council meetings?