Organizing: Contents
The Organizing Section is in Four Parts:
Organizing Resources (this page): Links to online resources related to labor and community organizing.
Organizing Techniques: Links and videos on the hows or organizing, skills and techniques.
Sample Organizing Drives: Links to web sites devoted to organizing campaigns, short videos on specific campagins.
Anti-union Campaigns: Links and videos on union busting and union avoidance campaigns. Why do we include this here? Because you need to know about it, be aware that this may happen, plan for it!
Organizing Resources Online
- National Workrights InstituteThe Institute's goal is to improve the legal protection of human rights in the workplace.
- Unionstats.comThe Union Membership and Coverage Database is an Internet data resource providing private and public sector labor union membership, coverage, and density estimates compiled from the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly household survey, using BLS methods. These statistics are provided by the BLS in its annual Union Membership survey, but due with less detail. Be sure to read the background information on Unionstats.com with its commentary on the accuracy of the sample.
- Organizing Resources (Organizing for Power, Organizing for Change)Links on general organizing, training agendas, group process, facilitation, campaigns, fundraising, and police and state repression.
- Resources for Planning Actions (Organizing for Power, Organizing for Change)Links about training agendas, tactics, affinity groups, legal issues, media, health and safety, communications, and direct action.
Books and Reports
Bobo, Kimberley A., et al. Organizing for Social Change: Midwest Academy Manual for Activists, 4th ed.. Forum Press, 2010.The “comprehensive manual for grassroots organizers.”[available from USC and Amazon.]
Bronfenbrenner, Kate, et al., eds. Organizing to Win: New Research on Union Strategies. Ithaca: ILR Press: 1998.These articles by union & academic researchers present new frameworks and strategies for organizing; topics include strategic initiatives, community-based organizing, building membership, and public support.
Fine, Janice. Worker Centers: Organizing Communities at the Edge of the Dream. Ithaca: ILR Press,2006. Fine studies the role worker centers play in organizing and assisting low-wage and immigrant workers.
Labor Project for Working Families. A Job and A Life: Organizing and Bargaining for Work Family Issues. Berkley, CA: Labor Project for Working Families, 2005.Designed for union leaders, activists, negotiating teams and organizers, this step-by-step guide provides the tools needed to advance a successful work and family agenda. Order from web site: http://www.working-families.org/publications/
Milkman, Ruth, et al., ed.. L.A. Story : Immigrant Workers And The Future Of The U.S. Labor Movement. NY: Russell Sage Foundation, 2006.These 11 articles on recent union, community-based and advocacy campaigns in the Los Angeles area contain observations and best practices that apply to all efforts to organize low-wage workers in the U.S.
Slaughter, Jane, ed. A Troublemaker's Handbook 2: How to Fight Back Where You Work‑And Win! Detroit: Labor Education and Research Project, 2005.This well-known workers’ guide to organizing has been totally updated and rewritten. Its chapters are based on the experiences of over 250 activists; their stories are followed by tips and resources. The book can be ordered from Labor Notes: http://labornotes.org/troublemakershandbook2.
Available Online
- Berger-Marks Foundation. Women Organizing Women: How Do We Rock the Boat Without Getting Thrown Overboard? Washington, DC: Berger-Marks Foundation, 2005A report summarizing the discussion and recommendations of a retreat of women union organizers.
- Caiazza, Amy. 'I knew I could do this work': Seven Strategies to Promote Women's Activism & Leadership in Unions. Washed, Berger-Marks Foundation, 2008Based on interviews, this report analyzes obstacles union women face and strategies (mentoring, flexible options for involvement) that unions could use to encourage women’s involvement and leadership.
- Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIOInformation and data on professional occupations and industries, with a significant content on women professionals.
- Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO. Rising Tide….Professionals: The New Face of America’s Unions. Wash. D.C.: DPE, AFL-CIO, 2003.A report on organizing campaigns by 17 DPE affiliates.