From Sept. 10-17, 11 members took part in an AFT mobilization blitz, a campaign to engage with members and connect with those who have not signed cards. We asked them to share their thoughts on the experience.
Dawn Thomas, VP for Political Activities
Participating in the organizing blitz was such a wonderful experience personally and very inspiring.
It was great to set up in different work areas to see our members and also to go door knocking to their homes. What a great way to make a connection to our members on an individual basis. We got to hear their concerns that they may have otherwise not brought forward. Big or small the issues our members are facing are important and should be heard.
While the majority of our members are signed card holders, we do have some who are not. So it was great to make a connection with them, explain the importance of being a signed member of UHP and get their card signed.
I would love to see an annual campaign and have many more members get involved reaching out to other members. We discovered so many of our members lived within the same neighborhoods. While many of our members don’t want to be involved on a daily basis with union work, having an annual campaign would give folks an opportunity to make a difference in our union.
Robyn Roark
I think the biggest thing I got out of is we all see our work life in a bubble. No one considers what other jobs are like in the health center because we are focused on where we work and what does or doesn’t work for us. Listening to coworkers from University Tower and hearing what they go through and asking me about my work life was an eye opener for all.
Christine Judd, VP for Membership Activities
This was my fifth member mobilization. My first one was in 2013 in Topeka, Kansas. The communication tools that I learned during that first blitz are ones that I use almost everyday in my personal and professional life. To me that’s one of the most important things that you take away from these mobilizations. You become a better communicator, a better listener, and most importantly a better unionist.
Connie Simons
The blitz was such an educational and energizing experience! It really made me feel like there are so many people who are motivated and ready to make changes that will help us build a stronger union.
Door knocking was a great way to connect directly with our union siblings. I think many of them appreciated that we took the time to show up, even on a rainy day, to see them, listen, and engage. Sometimes simply showing up can make a huge impact.
One of my favorite parts was spending time with other union siblings, including the five who flew in from other states to join us in our fight. It was a great reminder that we are all in this together. Seeing everyone come together, put in the work, and support one another made the whole experience feel powerful and exciting I left feeling more connected to our union family!
Tasha Greenlaw
I feel the blitz will be beneficial for UHP going forward because of the feedback received from our members. Many members were happy to see us come and ask how they were doing, getting a chance to talk and know each other to help members understand that this is a community that we are a part of at UHP.
Liz Figueroa
This was my first organizing blitz, and it was a great learning experience. I enjoyed engaging with members one-on-one and hearing how things were going in their lives and work.Many were surprised and impressed that we were reaching out after work and on weekends to check in and connect with members and potential members.
Rich Vance
The organizing blitz was a great opportunity to work with leaders within our union as well as our our state and national federations to meet with our members as well as potential members and hear their stories.
Everyone’s voice is important and the blitz allowed us to have those conversations about how things are going at work, in life, whatever.
The organizing blitz was great for UHP as it showed our leaders and members alike that this is OUR union, and the importance of each us being a part of it.
Jozii Ruiz
This being my first mobilization I went in very anxious and scared as I did not know what to expect. I wasn’t overly excited about door knocking as I know in this day people don’t really like people knocking on their doors any more.
Fast forward, it was a lot of fun! I met some great AFT brothers and sisters that not only made the time go by faster but their experiences and expertise really simplified the process. My team leader was awesome and was supportive every step of the way.