"The end of all education should surely be service to others."
Caesar Chavez
Welcome to the AFGE Trainers web page! Here you will find tools and resources to expand your training repertoire, improve your teaching skills, and enhance the overall adult learning experience.
This is your one stop shop for AFGE Training Modules and handouts, Education Department Updates and Instructor Resources.
NEW Training Materials
Interested in a class on Adult Teaching Techniques or a degree in Labor Education? The National labor College offers continuing education classes in teaching techniques and health and safety train the trainer as well as certificate programs in Adult Learning and Labor Education. Contact the National Labor College for further information.
Training Modules and Handouts
What follows are links to training modules, handouts and web resources on a variety of union leadership topics including Leadership Roles and Responsibilities, Running the Local, Effective Communications Skills, Workplace Representation, Worker 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!
Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
Training Materials
Web Resources
- 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.
Running the Local
• Booklet: AFGE National Constitution
The AFGE National Constitution and Rules as adopted in August 2003.
• Slide Show: Understanding AFGE's Organizational Structure
A Power Point Slide Show Showing AFGE's National Structure
• Handbook: 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.
• Guide: 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.
• Guide: 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.
• Manual: 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
• Manual: 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
• Handout: 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
• Handout: 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.
• Web Link: 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 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.
• 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.
• Booklet: 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.
• Web Link: 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.
• Web Link: 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.
• Web Link: 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.
• Web Link: LaborNet
LaborNet is a global online communications network that promotes a democratic, independent labor movement
Workplace Representation
Basic Stewards' Skills
• Quiz: The Legal Rights of Union Representatives
Questions
Answers
• Power Point: The Legal Rights of Union Representatives
• Handout: Government Workers: Did You Know?
15 Things your boss can't do to you for union activity.
• Quiz: The ABCs of Being an AFGE Steward
• FLRA FORM: How to File an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP)
• Newsletter: 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.
• Manual: The Union Steward's Complete Guide
Edited by David Prosten. A survival manual for union stewards and union representatives from the publishers of Stewaqrd Update Newlsetter.
• Handbook: 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
• Trainer's Module: Investigating the Grievance
An instructor's guide to teaching a session on grievance investigation. Focuses on listening skills and documentation.
• Worksheet: Know Your Grievance Procedure
• Notice: TSA Grievance Procedures
Promulgated in March 2005, this document sets forth policy and procedures on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) grievance procedure.
• Power Point Presentations: 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.
• How to Sign Up for AFGE Case Track
• Using Case Track to Record Grievances
• Generating Special Reports
• Form: Standard Grievance Form
Many of our master agreements have a standard grievance form. Click here if you need a template.
• Handouts: 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
Worker Rights
• Handbook: 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.
• DOL Guide: 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.
• AFGE BOOKLET: 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
• Newsletter: 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.
• Workbook: Fighting Discrimination in the Federal Government
A guide for AFGE representatives on fighting discrimination in the federal government.
• Manual: 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.
• Guide: Stop Sexual Harassment Before It Stops You
A Guide for AFGE Members and Representatives
Negotiating with Management
• Web Sites: 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.
• Power Point: AFGE Collective Bargaining Practices
A 200-slide show prepared by AFGE Field Services Department that provides the full complement of collective bargaining in the federal sector.
• Form: Request for a Briefing on Management Initiated Change in Conditions of Work
• Form: Demand for Mid-Term Bargaining
• Handout: Mid-Term Bargaining Checklist
A good tool for preparing to bargain over a management initiated change in working conditions.
• Manual: AFGE Collective Bargaining Manual
This manual is a how-to guide for locals and bargaining councils in bargaining more efficiently while maximizing member participation.
• Manual: AFGE Contract Terms Handbook
Provides guidance and model contract language to AFGE locals and councils concerning the terms they negotiate into their labor agreements.
• Newsletter: AFGE Rep Wing
A publication by the AFGE Communications and Field Services that presents news, tips and resources on representation and arbitration.
• Manual: AFGE Administrative Research and Writing
A guide on legal research and writing legal briefs.
• Manual: Discovery in Merit Systems Protection Board Proceedings
Includes guidelines and examples of discovery in merit systems protection board proceedings.
• Manual: 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.
• Worksheet: Exercise: Know Your Statute (FLSLMR)
• Quiz: What is a Collective Bargaining Agreement? (Q & A)
Questions
Answers
• Handout: Suggested Ground rules for Collective Bargaining
• Handout: The Art and Craft of Collective Bargaining
Organizing and Membership Recruitment
Recruiting New Members
• Handout: 16 Rules for Organizing Committees to Follow
Help for forming your organizing committee, and working together as a team.
• 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, www.afge.org, and click on the "Members Only" navigation bar.
• How to Start an Organizing Program at Your Local
Guide to developing an organizing committee in your local to recruit new members.
• Teacher's Guide: How to Conduct a Lunch and Learn
Use this with locals to help them understand the Lunch and Learn program and their role in growing the union.
• Lunch & Learn Toolkit
Information and tips on organizing and creating successful Lunch and Learn Sessions. Includes a Lunch & Learn Sign In Sheet and a fillable Lunch & Learn Invitation Flyer.
• FLRA Forms: 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
• Manual: A Troublemaker's Handbook: How to Fight Back Where You Work--and Win!
By Dan La Botz. A creative organizing manual. 1991.
• Web Link: 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.
• Manual: 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.
• Book: 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.
• Guide: 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.
Grass Roots Mobilization
• Labor's International Anthem: Solidarity Forever
• Guide: Mobilizing Our Power
Chapter 15 of the Local Officers Resource Guide provides an explanation of mobilization and how to develop and implement a mobilization strategy in your local.
• Sign Up For The Volunteer Action Corps
Sign up form for AFGE's volunteer activists. Use this at your meetings with local union members to increase their involvement.
• Handout: Mobilization Strategy 101: 5 Key Questions to Ask
• Handout: Mobilization Strategy: Conducting a Power Analysis
• Handout: Creating a Winning Mobilization Plan
• Handout: Understanding the Difference Between Tactics and 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.
• Training Module: Mobilizing Our Power-1 Day training
Handouts to Accompany the Training Module
Handout: Analyzing Our Membership Power
Handout: What is Mobilization?
Handout: Building a Local Union Database: First Steps
Handout: Involving the Membership
Handout: One-on-One Contacts: Role Play Demonstration
Handout: Mobilization: Assessing Local Union Resources
Handout: Giving and Receiving Feedback
Handout: One-on-One Contact Role Play #1: Mobilizer Role
Handout: One-on-One Contact Role Play #1: Worker Role
Handout: One-on-One Contact Role Play #2: Mobilizer Role
Handout: One-on-One Contact Role Play #2: Worker Role
Handout: Taking It Back Home: Mobilization Action Plan
Handout: Tips for Making One-on-One Contacts
Handout: Mapping Out Local Union Resources
Handout: Instructions for Workplace Mapping
Handout: Tips for Listening to Others
Political Action
• Publication: 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.
• Web Link: 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.
• Web Link: 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.
• Handout: The Hatch Act Do's and Don'ts
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: 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.
• Handout: Voter Registration Information
Find out where to register to vote in your home states
• Handout: Lobbying Basics
Effective citizen lobbying involves not only talking with public officials, broad coalitions, working with the media, mobilizing grassroots pressure, changing public opinion, undermining your opposition, and much, much more.
• Guide: 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.
• Slide Show: How to Work with Volunteers
Good information on recruiting and retaining well qualified volunteers
• Handout: Grassroots Lobbying
• Teacher's Guide: The ABCs of Lobbying: Clinic
A three-hour curriculum on teaching activists how to lobby members of Congress.
• Handout: Lobbying Role Play (Goes with ABCs of Lobbying)
• Quiz: Your Rights under the Hatch Act
• Handout: Targeted Lobbying
How to make the most of the time you'll get from an elected official.
Labor History
• Instructor's Guide: 1.5 Hour Labor History Class
• Quiz: Labor History (Answers)
• Quiz: Labor History (Questions)
• Fold Out: AFGE Highlights, Milestones from the first 70 years of AFGE history
• Booklet: A Proud Past, A Bright Future
A narrative of AFGE history from 1932 to 1995.
• Book: 70 Years of AFGE History
A photo book of historic front pages of AFGE's publication "Government Standard."
• Web Link: AFL-CIO Labor History Links  The Federation provides numerous labor history links in its section, "Labor History on the Web."
• Web Link: 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.
• Web Link: Women's Labor History
Information on women workers and leaders in U.S. labor history.
Training Resources
• Handout: Warm-Up Exercises for Training Programs
• Template: Workshop Evaluation Form
• Training Guide: Basic Adult Teaching Methods
• Handout: Training Presentation Tips • Handout: Desiging Effective Power Point Slides
• Handout: Tips for Creating Quality Power Point Presentations
• Handout: Handling Tough Questions in the Classroom |
