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Ten tips for talking with your co-workers
about action on political issues
1. Talk during non-work time.
So you can have a real discussion.
2. Keep it short.
Tell them up front it will just take a few minutes – and stick to it.
3. Start with issues they care about.
Stay on issues that affect our work and our livelihood, not our religious beliefs or views on social issues.
4. Explain our actions to hold politicians accountable on those issues.
Tell them what members are doing and how they can help. Make clear that our goal is to benefit working people, not parties or candidates or “the union” as an institution.
5. Listen carefully and respect their views.
When you ask questions, listen to the answers. Don’t interrupt or get so caught up in how to respond that you don’t really hear what they say. Look for areas of agreement. Don’t get angry, and don’t pester someone if it’s clearly not a good time to talk – try later.
6. Ask them to take a specific step to get involved.
It could be registering to vote, signing a petition, attending a rally, or contributing to our political action fund.
7. Use handouts to start conversations.
Don’t just hand out leaflets without discussion. See what their questions or comments are.
8. See if they will spread the word to other coworkers, their families, friends and neighbors. Offer them leaflets they can use to start conversations with others.
9. Keep a good list.
Keep track of who you talked to and their responses. Make sure you have a list of names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and information about what issues they are interested in and what they are willing to do.
10. Follow up.
If you’re asked a question you’re unsure about, say you’ll get back to them with the answer – and do it. Contact Local 2020 for more information. Follow-up shows their questions and opinions matter.
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