Leadership is action, not position.
Welcome to the AFGE Leaders web page! Here you will find tools and resources to assist you in increasing your effectiveness as a union leader. From information on training courses to tips on time management, this is your one-stop shopping for leadership growth.
Sign up for AFGE’s Leadership E-Network Today!
Keep up-to-date with AFGE’s Leadership E-Network – a new communications tool from AFGE’s Department of Education and Leadership Development. Be first on the list for updates on leadership training opportunities, resource guides, videos, DVDs, scholarships and more. Network with other AFGE leaders to share best practices and leadership issues. Click here to join…
Got Experience? Get a Degree!
Convert your military, community and union service, along with professional development and continuing education classes into college credit with AFGE and the National Labor College
Join Forces with Other Union Leaders in Your Community!
Did you know that you are already a member of the AFL-CIO State federation in your state? Leaders from dozens of other unions meet regularly to support each other. Expand your networks and build our union power by connecting with the state and local AFL-CIO. Click here to find out how to contact the AFL-CIO federation in your State.
Attention AFGE National Training Alumni - Help Build Our Network
Have you taken the Local Officers Financial Training? How about the Local Presidents' training Level I or Level II? Or have you attended an AFGE Organizing Institute? You can now get credit for these courses from the National Labor College. Interested? Contact us at education@afge.org and let us know which class you attended, and the date of attendance.
Leadership Tools You Can Use
What follows are links to handouts, web sites, and reading materials on a variety of union leadership topics including Education and Training, Leadership Roles and Responsibilities, Running the Local, Effective Communications Skills, Workplace Representation, Workers Rights, Negotiating with Management, Organizing and Grassroots Mobilization, Political Action, and Labor History.
Don't forget to check out "Get Learning Resources" for more tools you can use!
Education and Training Opportunities
Click on AFGE 2006 Calendar for AFGE National and District training seminars
Find a Labor Education Center near you for additional classes in labor studies, leadership and union administration.
Contact your Local AFL-CIO Central Labor Council or State Federation for information on AFL-CIO classes and training programs
Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
Leadership Now
A web site offering articles, features, books and videos that will encourage you to develop the leader in you.
Leader to Leader Institute
Formerly the Peter Drucker Institute, this site provides cutting edge leadership training and reading aimed at increasing innovation in your union.
Dale Carnegie Training
Learn how to put leadership into action with courses, reading materials, and coaching services available from one of the oldest leadership organizations in the United States. Dale Carnegie courses are available around the country. Click on the link to find one where you live.
Workplace Representation
Basic Stewards' Skills
The Legal Rights of Union Representatives: Slide Show
How to File an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP)
Steward's Update
Published by Union Communications Services, the Update distributes steward advice, labor news, graphics and books that help progressive union leaders rally their members and build their unions.
The Union Steward's Complete Guide
Edited by David Prosten. A survival manual for union stewards and union representatives from the publishers of Steward Update Newsletter.
The Legal Rights of Union Stewards
by union attorney Robert M. Schwartz is the most popular legal manual in use today by U.S. labor unions. It explains rules that apply to grievance investigations, employer information requests, Weingarten Rights, fair representation duties, midterm bargaining rights, and other important labor law topics.
Grievance Handling
TSA Grievance Procedures
Promulgated in March 2005, this document sets forth policy and procedures on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) grievance procedure.
AFGE CaseTrack
A web-based grievance tracking system application that allows AFGE Local Presidents to access up-to-the-minute reports and case information at any time. Local Presidents can register by signing on to www.afge-casetrack.org
• How to Sign Up for AFGE Case Track
• Using Case Track to Record Grievances
• Generating Special Reports
• AFGE CASE TRACK TRAINING MANUAL
Standard Grievance Form. Many of our master agreements have a standard grievance form. Click here if you need a template.
Grievance Handling: 5 Steps. These handouts will assist you in troubleshooting workplace problems.
• Step 1: Identification of the Problem
• Step 2: Investigation
• Step 3: Documentation
• Step 4: Preparation
• Step 5: Presentation
Negotiating with Management
Collective Bargaining Web Sites and Publications
A resource list of web sites and publications on collective bargaining including information from the FLRA and FPMI, Cyberfeds, labor relations newsletters, and federal labor relations legal experts.
Form: Request for a Briefing on Management Initiated Change in Conditions of Work
Form: Demand for Mid-Term Bargaining.
Mid-Term Bargaining Checklist
A good tool for preparing to bargain over a management initiated change in working conditions.
AFGE Collective Bargaining Manual
This manual is a how-to guide for locals and bargaining councils in bargaining labor agreements more efficiently while maximizing member participation.
AFGE Contract Terms Handbook
Provides guidance and model contract language to AFGE locals and councils concerning the terms they negotiate into their labor agreements.
AFGE Rep Wing
A publication by the AFGE Communications and Field Services Departments that presents news, tips and resources on representation and arbitration.
Administrative Research and Writing
A guide on legal research and writing legal briefs.
Discovery in Merit Systems Protection Board Proceedings
Includes guidelines and examples of discovery in merit systems protection board proceedings.
AFGE A-76 Handbook
This Guide focuses mainly on the contracting-out rules contained in a government policy document called Circular No. A-76, as revised on May 29, 2003 ("the Circular") and provides a step-by-step strategy for keeping federal jobs.
Worker Rights
The FMLA Handbook
By Robert M. Schwartz . A practical guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 for union members and stewards.
Fair Labor Standards Manual
This manual provides a working overview and practical guide to investigating, evaluating, and arbitrating overtime pay claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Worker's Compensation Booklet
This booklet is a concise explanation of what to do when you are injured at work or become ill as a result of your work. It is meant to help you understand the system and how it works, as well as your rights and responsibilities.
Women's Rights and Fair Practices
The Equalizer
Newsletter produced by the AFGE Women's and Fair Practices Departments that provides up to date information on EEOC reorganization and other policy changes, EEO advocacy and current trends in EEO representation.
EEO Workbook - Fighting Discrimination in the Federal Government
A guide for AFGE representatives on fighting discrimination in the federal government.
Women/Fair Practices Coordinator Guide
This manual describes the role and duties of local and district women's and fair practices coordinators, outlines the Human Rights Committee structure within AFGE, and describes the EEO representation process.
Stop Sexual Harassment Before It Stops You
A Guide for AFGE Members and Representatives
Political Action
AFGE Capitol Report
is a bimonthly publication of AFGE's Communications and Legislative Departments which provides news updates on legislative issues affecting government employees and briefs members on AFGE lobbying efforts.
The AFGE Legislative Action Center is for AFGE activists interested in up-to-date information on important legislation, AFGE lobbying efforts, and political action. On this central site you can access information on your Congressional representatives, pull up specific legislative bills, and learn the basics about operating on Capital Hill. You must be a member of AFGE to access this site.
The AFL-CIO Legislative Alert provides legislative updates and alerts, fact sheets and background information on state legislation for state activists and legislators and the Working Families Toolkit which provides legislative and election-related resources for activists and union leaders.
The Hatch Act
Provides information on the legal rights of federal and DC government employees in engaging in political election campaigns, what government workers can and cannot do under the law. Distinguishes between a political campaign and legislative action.
Slide Show on Privatization of Government Jobs
This slideshow illustrates the threat of privatization on federal workers' jobs. As it stands today, hundreds of thousands of federal employee jobs could be lost through A-76 privatization efforts.
Voter Registration Information
Find out where to register to vote in your home state.
Voter Basics
Step by step guide to conducting a voter registration drive.
Key To Successful Grass Roots Lobbying
Tips for lobbying members of Congress.
How Well Do You Know Your MOC?
Quiz that illustrates the importance of knowing the networks, background, and interests of your elected representative. Research tools for learning more.
"People Power Politics"
Local Resource Guide
Lobbying Basics
Effective citizen lobbying involves not only talking with public officials, but building broad coalitions, working with the media, mobilizing grassroots pressure, changing public opinion, undermining your opposition, and much, much more.
Lobbying Primer
A brief guide to help you target your lobbying efforts and to engage the press and community in pressuring your target. Offers tips on inside and outside lobbying.
A Few Tips on Working with Volunteers
Running the Local
AFGE National Constitution
The AFGE National Constitution and Rules as adopted in August 2003.
Understanding AFGE's Organizational Structure
A Power Point Slide Show Showing AFGE's National Structure
How to Run a Local Meeting
This handbook is designed to help local leaders obtain a knowledge of democratic meeting procedures and to suggest some ideas for increasing membership interest, participation and attendance at union meetings.
Local Officers Resource Guide
This guide includes resources designed to help AFGE Local Presidents educate and lead the local union. It contains information on the roles and responsibilities of local union officers as well as useful tools for helping develop union activists and mentor them in their union work.
Best Practices: AFGE Handbook
AFGE local leaders share their success stories in organizing, political action, and representation.
AFGE Financial Officers Resources
A listing of DOL sample forms and budgets with step-by-step directions on how to develop and maintain a sound financial practice within the local including utilizing My Local, a web-based financial reporting system.
Election Manual
This manual assists AFGE locals in conducting fair and proper elections. Focuses primarily on manual ballot elections at membership meetings. However, most of these steps also are applicable to mail ballot elections
Hearing Manual for Internal Disciplinary Trials
Disciplinary actions should be undertaken only as a last resort, and only after the concerned members have made an honest effort to resolve their differences. When other means have failed, this manual is designed to assist each person involved in a disciplinary action.
Communicating with Members
Using Surveys to Communicate with Members
Includes why surveys are useful, provides tips on putting them together, and how to use them in organizing drives and contract negotiations.
Handout: Tips for One-on-One Contacts
Handout: Tips for Listening to Others
Handout: Giving and Receiving Feedback
Steps to Building a Local Union Membership Database
Describes the importance of knowing your bargaining unit members and having that data in a central file that enables you to communicate everything from union picnics to contract updates to mobilization campaigns.
Handout: 10 Steps for Writing Good Emails
Emails are today's equivalent of office memos. Learn how to use them to your best business advantage.
Dale Carnegie Training
Using team dynamics and intra-group activities, Dale Carnegie courses will help you strengthen interpersonal relationships, manage stress and handle fast-changing workplace conditions. You'll be better equipped to perform as a persuasive communicator, problem-solver and focused leader. And you'll develop a take-charge attitude initiated with confidence and enthusiasm.
Media Relations
AFGE News Publications
Click on this site for immediate access to the variety of publications issued by your union: The Equalizer, Government Standard, Rep Wing, Capitol Report, etc.
An Activist's Guide to the Media
This brochure discusses some common media relations tactics successful advocates use to get the word out through the news media about their cause.
SPIN Project
The SPIN Project is for organizations working to build a fair, just and equitable society that want to be heard in today's crowded media environment.
WIN (Workers Independent News Service)
Producers gather news from labor unions and activists from across the U.S. and packages the material for distribution to more than 12,000 AM and FM radio stations and print publications around the country. WIN also offers media training and assistance to unions and community-based organizations.
The International Labor Communications Association
The professional organization of labor communicators in North America. The ILCA's several hundred members produce publications with a total circulation in the tens of millions.
LaborNet
LaborNet is a global online communications network that promotes a democratic, independent labor movement
AFGE Editors Association
As a member of AFGE's Editors Assocation you will receive monthly editor packets designed especially for union editors. The packets include labor-related newspaper clips and editorials, helpful hints and guidance, cartoons and clip art, news-you-can-use, flyers and graphics that can help jazz up your publication.
Organizing and Grass Roots Mobilization
Member Only Benefits. There are a significant number of benefits available only to AFGE members including dental insurance, college financial aid, scholarships, home mortgages, auto loans, and discounts on entertainment and computers. For more information on member only benefits, log on to the AFGE website, and click on the "Members Only" navigation bar.
How to Start an Organizing Program at Your Local
Lunch & Learn Toolkit. Information and tips on organizing and creating successful Lunch and Learn Sessions.
Lunch & Learn Sign In Sheet
Lunch & Learn Invitation Flyer (Fillable)
Organizing New Units. How the process works and forms for getting it done.
FAQs on How to File a Petition for Union Representation
FAQs on Understanding how the Petition Process Works
Petition to have a Union Election
A Troublemaker's Handbook: How to Fight Back Where You Work--and Win!
By Dan La Botz. A creative organizing manual. 1991.
Midwest Academy
The Academy is one of the nation's oldest and best known schools for community organizations, citizen organizations and individuals committed to progressive social change.
Organizing for Social Change: A Manual for Activist in the 1990's
By Kim Bobo, Jackie Kendall, Steve Max. This manual is for grassroots organizers working for social, political, environmental, and economic change at the local, state, and national level. It has been used by the Midwest Academy to work with over 20,000 grassroots activists in all different fields.
Rules for Radicals: A Practical Primer for Realistic Radicals
By Saul Alinksy. This primer tells the "have-nots" how they can organize to achieve real political power for the practice of true democracy.
Organizing Guide for Local Unions
By Virginia Diamond . Published by the AFL-CIO and the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, this is a practical guide on how to set up an organizing committee, target an organizing drive, understand labor law, communications, and organizing for a first contract.
Army Corps of Engineers: Locks and Dams Operations and Mechanics
This AFGE white paper outlines economic and security risks in the Army Corps of Engineers outsourcing plan.
Grass Roots Mobilization
Mobilizing our Power
Local Officers Resource Guide
Sign Up For The Volunteer Action Corp
Mobilization Strategy 101: 5 Key Questions to Ask
Mobilization Strategy: Conducting a Power Analysis
Creating a Winning Mobilization Plan
Understanding the Difference Between Tactics and a Mobilization
A common misstep in mobilization planning is equating "tactics" with mobilization "strategy." Tactics are specific actions or tools while strategy is an overall map that guides the use of these tools toward clear goals.
Labor History
AFGE Highlights
Milestones from the first 70 years of AFGE history.
A Proud Past, A Bright Future
A narrative of AFGE history from 1932 to 1995.
70 Years of AFGE History
A photo book of historic front pages of AFGE's publication "Government Standard."
AFL-CIO Labor History Links
The Federation provides numerous labor history links in its section, "Labor History on the Web."
African American Labor History
Great links and resources on struggles and contributions of African-American workers in the U.S., particularly in the public sector.
Women's Labor History
Information on women workers and leaders in U.S. labor history.
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