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(4) Maintaining Interest and Branch Stability

Keeping members = Building Solidarity

One of the hardest skills to learn is how to keep membership. Don't be disheartened by turnover, most voluntary organizations experience around 40-60 percent turnover in a year. Here are some ways to keep turnover low:

  • People hate their time being wasted. When you are going do something be organized or don't do it.
  • Keep it simple- don't discuss/meet/vote/fret over the things that don't need to be.
  • Run tight meetings.
  • Make it fun, have regular informal parties/get togethers or "chin wags" so members get to know each other.
  • Distribute responsibilities, make every member feel valuable.
  • Avoid cliques- invite and make room for a wide variety of people, the more variety, the greater strength and skill pool.
  • When taking on tasks, pair experienced members with inexperienced to build confidence and comraderie.
  • Agitation isn't the same as Organization. Hell raising is fun and may get results, but it is limited. Make a strategy which builds a permanent union and working class solidarity.
  • Make sure Branch officers are doing their duties, make sure dues are being sent to GHQ regularly and in a timely fashion. Make sure that the members are getting what they deserve- Organizing Bulletin, newspaper, ballots at election time.
  • Make sure public events and actions are publicized and promoted.

Focus on building the IWW

We are members of the IWW because we believe the IWW is the best way of organizing the working class. The IWW shouldn't be a front group for any particular ideology, political group or coalition of unionists.

  • Don't be the go-for for other unions/groups. - Expect to be treated as an equal. Do not do work for other groups if it does not benefit the IWW. In the '70s, one GMB spent 6 months conducting a boycott for another union. While they did learn some skills, in the long term they burned out most of their membership and the other union got all the credit! This doesn't mean we shouldn't do support work, but do it as the IWW so we get credit for it!

  • Keep politics out of the union. - The IWW's strength is that it has no 'ism., we stand for Economic (or Industrial) Democracy. Our principles unite the best aspects of many political movements, make sure that all workers feel comfortable in your branch.

KNOW THE ENEMY!

Of course you know individual bosses and their actions. But what are the specific conditions in your area? Check out buisness publications, Journal of Commerce, etc.

  • Identify particular issues for the branch to agitate or organize around. Are there issues specific to the hospitality industry in your region?

  • Do you have contact with workers having common problems? Are their issues isolated or can they be raised by a larger segment of the industry?

  • Know your enemy! Investigate business conditions, weaknesses and strengths, Use surveys to identify industry issues, workplaces with disgruntled workers, etc.

ACTIVITY!

  • Agitate! Post stickers, circulate leaflets.
  • Have public discussions of industry and class issues with a local or guest IWW speaker.
  • Form and train outreach teams to go into workplaces and make contact with workers.
  • Put on trainings (especially organizer trainings) for new members and contacts. Teach basic labor law, how to do outreach, etc.
  • Put on educationals/movie nights about the IWW's ideals and goals.
  • Start a hotline for workers to call. Publicize the number on stickers and leaflets.
  • Participate in local Labour actions - walk picket lines; attend labor sponsored rallies and demonstrations. Carry well made signs that say "IWW in solidarity with"... or "An injury to one is an injury to all"; have the IWW globe on signs. When you are out supporting average workers in struggle, they will come out to support you!
  • Organize material support for struggling members, such as fundraising for rent and/or medical expenses if needed.
  • And more (see some of the following guides for further ideas).