WHEREAS:

AFSCME PEOPLE Committees have as their objective the implementation of successful political, legislative, and fundraising programs designed to meet the needs of AFSCME members and affiliates; and

WHEREAS:

The activities of PEOPLE Committees include such vital functions as: (1) establishment of grassroots lobbying mechanisms to accomplish timely and effective responses to local, state and national legislative initiatives, (2) institutionalization of political fundraising, and (3) development and maintenance of a corps of trained, active political volunteers; and

WHEREAS:

Business and right-wing organizations will continue to spend millions of dollars to oppose labor's interests. The ability to protect the nation and labor's best interests depends on a well-structured PEOPLE organization in every AFSCME Council and Local in the country; and

WHEREAS:

PEOPLE Committees that have been established in several states across the country have demonstrated their ability to perform activities such as lobbying, screening, endorsing, and campaigning for candidates at all levels of government, and have also demonstrated their capability to raise PEOPLE voluntary funds to finance these activities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME adopt as a national goal the establishment of standing PEOPLE Committees in each Local and Council. In states where more than one Council exists, these Councils to the extent possible, will develop a common PEOPLE structure for the purpose of establishing full participation in the state's political process. The International Union shall assist in developing such structures with appropriate legal, technical and administrative training; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That each Council submit to the National PEOPLE Committee the name, address and telephone number of the Council's PEOPLE Committee chairperson.

SUBMITTED BY:

Nathaniel Smith, President
Ruth Spencer, Secretary
Local 345, Council 25
Detroit, Michigan