The Organizing Institute (OI) was
created in 1989 to promote and foster union organizing. Since then, the
OI developed into a highly selective program to recruit and train a new
generation of union organizers and has trained thousands of union members and
others who are committed to building power for working people across the
country. The OI offers an intensive classroom and Field Training program
for participants looking to become union organizers. For participants not
sponsored by a union who are interested in a career as a union organizer, the
OI Program offers a thorough look at a wide array of unions organizing in
various industries that best match candidates’ talents with the union most
appropriate for them. The OI provides the highest standards of organizer
training, mentorship and development for all participants during the Field
Training program.
What unions participate in the Organizing Institute training program?
The AFL-CIO is a federation of
50-plus international unions representing a variety of industries ranging from
construction, service, technical, professional and public employees. All
AFL-CIO affiliated unions can participate and utilize the OI to train their
member organizers and staff. Unions looking to train and hire staff organizers
outside of their rank and file membership are encouraged to take part.
What does a union organizer do?
Union organizers assist workers in
gaining union representation at their worksite. A union organizer
educates people (mostly nonunion workers) about their rights, identifies and
develops leadership skills among workers, explains the union organizing process
and runs a campaign for union recognition. Organizers mostly visit workers
on a one-on-one basis, in their homes or other places outside of work where
they feel comfortable, to talk with them about problems they face at work. The
organizer builds relationships based on what those workers do on their jobs,
the problems they face at work, and challenges and inspires them to get
involved with their co-workers to gain a voice at work through organizing a
union. Ultimately, the goal is for workers to build power in their
workplaces by winning a binding agreement with their employer that makes real
improvements in their living and working conditions.
What is the life of a union organizer like?
The work of a union organizer is
challenging and demanding. For the most part, organizers can work long,
irregular hours depending on the needs of the campaign. Workers that
unions attempt to organize may work in a variety of hours, shifts and settings,
so it is important the organizer is able to make himself/herself available to
as many workers as possible during an organizing drive. Also, depending
on where the union is focusing its work, organizers can expect to travel
extensively and may be away from their home/family for weeks at a time and
should expect to relocate, at least temporarily. Although, the nature of
the work is challenging, union organizing is the most exciting, fulfilling and
rewarding of careers because organizers are agents of change for workers to
empower themselves and the communities in which they live.
For applicants interested in applying to the OI program, what qualifications do you look for?
Applicants must be energetic, and
committed to building the union movement, must possess solid communication and
leadership skills, must have a valid drivers’ license. Union, student, or
community activism experience is a plus. People of color, women and
bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply. Applicants to the OI program must be flexible to
relocation and/or extensive travel.
I'm interested in applying to the OI. What is the application process?
Applicants who are not union
members and wish to become union organizers must complete and return an
application, as well as submit a resume and references, either online or by
mail or fax. You can apply to attend the three-day training. You may
apply online at www.organize.aflcio.org. All nonunion
member applicants will be interviewed by OI staff, in person and/or by
phone to determine eligibility and readiness for the OI program.
Applications must be received no later than eight days prior to the
weekend training you wish to attend. All union members who wish to attend an OI
training must be sponsored by their union.
What type of training does the OI provide?
The OI provides a three-day
general organizer training. During the training, participants will learn
one-on-one communications skills and campaign and strategic planning
skills. Participants are assessed on their skills and potential based on
objective criteria and observations by OI staff and experienced organizers from
affiliate unions. Upon completion of the training, the OI will also
suggest the next appropriate steps in the development of that participant. All
final recommendations are given to the individual and sponsoring union.
How much does it cost to attend the weekend training?
For participants who are not
sponsored by an affiliate union, there is no fee to attend the
training. The OI will cover your meals and hotel stay during the
training. However, travel to and from the classroom/weekend training is
your responsibility. For members sponsored by their union, the cost is $125 per
participant.
What should I expect during the classroom/weekend training?
You should expect to be placed in
an intense learning environment during the weekend training. More than half of
the participants attending the weekend trainings are rank-and-file union members
and elected union leaders. Other participants come from a wide variety of
backgrounds, including college campuses, community groups and nonprofit
organizations. We teach the basics of one-on-one communications between
organizers and workers and teach organizers how to run internal and external
organizing campaigns. Through lecture discussions and numerous role-plays, the
trainers assess skills and potential of the participants, and participants
assess whether they want to pursue organizing, either as a career or as a
volunteer.
What are the next steps after the weekend classroom training?
For participants not sponsored by a union and who are recommended to the Field Training Program, the OI will best match your skills and talents with the needs of affiliate unions looking to train and hire new staff organizers. For members who are sponsored to the training the sponsoring union will determine the next steps.
If recommended to the field training program, when can I start? (non-member participants)
Although we encourage participants
to begin field training as soon as possible after the three-day training, you
can start your field training up to six months after the training. As
long as you are available for field training within six months of the weekend
training you attend, you are eligible to participate in the OI Field Training
program.
What happens during the Field Training Program? (non-member participants)
The OI provides hands-on
experience working on a real organizing campaign.
Apprentices are placed with a
union (local or international) and should expect to work long days, evenings
and weekends. You will be responsible for applying the skills learned in
the three-day training when communicating with workers one-on-one at their homes
or their workplaces. During the training, you will work directly under an
experienced organizer, who more than likely, will be your lead organizer.
The OI will provide a staff trainer for three-months to be in touch with you
and to offer mentorship, advice and feedback. Although OI staff will be
in touch with you, your primary training will come from the lead organizer and
organizers on the campaign with you. During the Field Training Component
of the Apprenticeship Program, apprentices are paid $500 per week (minus
taxes). Housing, transportation and health insurance is provided.
What happens after the Field Training program? (non-member participants)
Graduates who receive a
recommendation from the OI are in high demand. Trainees who successfully
complete the program are recommended to be hired as a union organizer by local
and/or national unions and continue their development. You should keep in
mind each affiliated international union has many local unions. If you
work for an international union, you should expect extensive travel as part of
your job and may possibly need to relocate. If you work for a local
union, you should expect to be a part of that community where the local is
based. The amount of travel varies by union. Affiliate unions will
receive newsletters announcing OI graduates who are available to be interviewed
and hired. Starting pay for union organizers, depending on the union,
range from $32,000 to $40,000 annually plus excellent benefits.
