Encouraging Union Members to Run for Public Office

WHEREAS, working people deserve elected representatives who understand the challenges facing workers, families, retirees, and communities because they have experienced those challenges firsthand, and

WHEREAS, union members bring valuable experience, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to public service that make them uniquely qualified to serve in elected office, and

WHEREAS, labor-backed candidates and union members serving in public office have played a critical role in advancing policies that strengthen workers’ rights, protect collective bargaining, improve workplace safety, expand economic opportunity, and support strong public services, and

WHEREAS, increasing the number of union members serving on boards of education, town councils, boards of aldermen, city councils, and in state and local government strengthens the voice of working people in the policymaking process, and

WHEREAS, the Connecticut AFL-CIO’s Path to Power candidate training program provides union members with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to successfully seek elected office, including campaign planning, public speaking, fundraising, voter outreach, and developing a path to victory, and

WHEREAS, the Connecticut AFL-CIO, in partnership with Area Labor Federations and national labor organizations, has demonstrated its commitment to building a pipeline of union member candidates prepared to lead in their communities and at every level of government, so

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut AFL-CIO encourages union members to consider seeking elected office and becoming active participants in the democratic process, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Connecticut AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions will continue to identify, recruit, train, and support union members interested in serving their communities through elected office, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that affiliated unions are encouraged to promote participation in the Connecticut AFL-CIO’s Path to Power program and assist in identifying members with the potential and desire to become effective candidates for public office, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Connecticut AFL-CIO reaffirms its commitment to building a strong pipeline of union member candidates who will bring the values of solidarity, fairness, and economic justice to every level of government.

Submitted By: Resolutions Committee

Convention Action: APPROVE REJECT