What is the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute?
The Organizing Institute (OI) was created in the fall of 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 members and others who are committed to building power for working people all across this country. The OI provides an intensive classroom and Field Training program for participants looking to become union organizers. For participants not sponsored by a union and is 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 to 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 of the AFL-CIO affiliate unions can participate and utilize the OI for training their members organizers, staff, as well as those unions looking to train and hire staff organizers outside of their rank and file membership.
What does a union organizer do?
Union organizers assist workers in gaining union representation at their worksite. A union organizer educates people (mostly non-union 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, maybe 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 with them based on what those workers do on their jobs, the problems they face at work and then 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 win 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 usually very 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 clean and 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 am 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, mail or fax. You can apply to attend a 2-day or 3-day training. You may apply online at www.organize.aflcio.org. All non-member applicants will be interviewed by OI staff, in person and/or by phone to determine eligibility and readiness for the OI program and will be notified as to your acceptance to attend a 2 day or 3-day training. Applications must be received no later than eight (8) days prior to the weekend training you wish to attend.
What type of training does the OI provide?
The OI provides a 3-day general organizer training. During the training, participants will learn one on one communication skills, leadership identification and development and strategic planning skills. Participants are assessed on their skill 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 give each participant an individual exit interview at the end of the training and will discuss the next appropriate steps of the training program.
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.
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 from a wide variety of backgrounds ranging from college campuses, community groups, nonprofit organizations as well as individuals who want to change careers and become a union organizer. We will be teaching the basics of one-on one communication between organizers and workers and teaching 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.
If recommended to the field training program, when can I start?
Although we encourage participants to begin field training as soon as possible after the 3-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 6 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?
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 3-day training when communicating with workers on a one-on-one basis 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 3-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 (if your apprenticeship takes place in a location away from where you live), transportation and health insurance is provided.
What happens after the Field Training program?
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 locals. If you work for an international union, you should expect extensive travel as part of your job and may possibly have to relocate. If you work for a local, 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 $30,000 to $40,000 annually plus excellent benefits.
