Six Key Questions to Getting People Involved

How to I get people Involved at the worksite?
ASK THEM. 
Few people will volunteer their services.  This does not mean that they don’t want to be active; however, people wait to be asked.  Asking builds activity.

WHO SHOULD ASK THEM?  If possible, someone they know and trust; someone whose influence they respond to; a friend, an employee in the same unit, a person with prestige in the union.  But if you cannot arrange for someone else, do it yourself.  Remember that the act of asking is itself important.
After this has been done, be sure that the new recruit feels welcomed by you, as the steward.  The most effective combination is, therefore being asked by someone he/she already knows and being welcomed by whomever is heading up the activity.

WHAT DO I TELL THEM?
•    Make clear what job you are asking them to do and be sure it has a definite beginning and end.  People do not want to sign up for life, so do not get them to over-commit themselves.
•    Ask them to do things they can do well, especially in the beginning.  People are more willing to begin things they know they can do.  Later, when they are really a part of your group, they will be more willing to try new things.
•    Tell each person how his/her task fits in with the rest.  People want to understand things that they are part of and they work best when they know that others are depending on them.
•    Discuss their own goals and how they fit into those of the union.  People have their own reasons for volunteering and you need to know them in order to lead effectively.  Also, you must help people keep their expectations realistic; otherwise you will not be able to meet them.
•    Ask what they would like to know and give them plenty of time and help in raising questions.  Many people are reluctant to ask questions, but they will work better after they have done so.
•    Do these things in person; do not rely only on printed letters and phone calls.  There is no substitute for talking face-to-face.  It lets the person know that you consider the discussion important and it gives you a chance to get acquainted with him/her.
•    You have a right to be enthusiastic about the importance of your work.  Do not apologize or belittle it.  Your mood will get across to the people you talk to and they will respond to it.

HOW DO I BUILD AN ACTIVE COMMITTEE?
A.    Keep records:  You cannot keep it all in your head.  Have a member list. Your Worksite Organizer at Local 721 can provide this.  Keep notes of jobs to do and decisions made.  Keep a list of each person’s assignments.  Keep a list of each person’s skills and “strong suits”.
B.    Keep your committee together.  Call meetings regularly; do not just keep in touch with each person separately.  People need to see and feel that they are part of something big, not just hear about it from you.  Call each person before a meeting, to make sure he/she will be there. Give each member a list of names and addresses and special jobs or skills of committee members.  People are interested in these things and they will feel more responsible to each other.  Give each member a copy of minutes or notes about what was decided at the meetings.  It will remind him/her of their job and they will know that the others are expecting things of them.  Let members share in deciding what jobs to do, how they can best be done and who can do them best.  They know some things you may not and they will work harder for things they decide on themselves.

HOW CAN I KEEP PEOPLE MOTIVATED?
1.    Set high standard of activity.  Members will take their cue from you.  And remember, you won’t get more than you ask for.
2.    For each activity get agreement on group goals. Achieving them will give you real feeling of accomplishment.  Where there are no challenging goals, members feel that activity is unimportant.
3.    Get enough people to do the job.  Overworked members stop volunteering.  The extra lift of the group really begins when you have at least seven or eight people involved.
4.    Be sure each member knows their job and position in the group.  It is not enough for you to know; ask them and listen to make sure they know, too.
5.    Encourage people to help each other out on jobs.  “Every person for themselves” is not good committee work.
6.    Pay attention to people who do not meet committee standards and expectations.  If you ignore their failure, other members will follow them.  If a member does not live up to your committee standards, speak to them personally, asking frankly what the trouble is, encouraging him/her and offer help.  Encourage other members to speak to them and show interest.  Reassign their job, if necessary.  This will show other members that the job is important.
7.    Recognize food work and reward it.  You can always commend active supporters at meetings.
CHECKLIST FOR AN EFFECTIVE COMMITTEE
•    The Committee must have a well-defined function.
•    The Committee must have attainable goals.
•    The Committee should have deadlines.
•    The Committee should be required to report regularly
•    The Committee should consult with the Local 721 Worksite Organizer assigned to the worksite.
•    The Committee should be given recognition by:
                Reporting at meetings,
                Being mentioned in a 721 newsletter/flyer
                Awards, prizes, badges or certificates
•    The Committee should be recruited among people who are interested in the activity.
•    Recruiting should be personal.