Developing and Implementing a MAT To implement a MAT structure and reap its rewards local leaders must have a commitment and a – – a MAT system in eight steps. plan. Here’s how to build Identify an upcoming campaign or issue around which to create a MAT. Are you going into a contract campaign? Is there a particular workplace issue you can mobilize around? While we want to have a functioning MAT structure to all year long, it’s far easier develop one when there’s something important affecting workers. Map or chart all the map should be a physical layout and contain: of the local’s worksites – Who names of workers – Where location of workers – When shifts of workers – Whether or not workers are union members Whether or not workers are PEOPLE members Where current union leaders and activists are located Each leader officer, executive board member, and steward identifies 10 co-workers to be part of – – his or her Member Action Team. Brainstorm to identify other possible MAT leaders, especially in work areas where there are “holes” in union leadership/activism. Consider going deeper into the membership than you have in the past and recruiting people who have played little role in the union. In particular, look for: Good communicators Natural leaders in the workplace People who are respected by co-workers Approach and recruit new MAT leaders and help them establish their MAT teams. Conduct training for all MATs, teaching them how to conduct effective one-on-one conversations. Contact the AFSCME Education Department for training modules and videos at . Decide what you want MATs to talk about with their co-workers and what you want MATs to ask workers to do. For instance, do you want MATs to talk with co-workers about the upcoming contract and you want MATs to ask their co-workers to wear buttons or get each worker’s view? Do sign a petition? Remember, the MAT team is not only for communication but also for mobilization, so MATs should always ask workers to take specific action! Put your MAT in motion. Then meet regularly to continue to build the MAT network, communicate with and mobilize workers, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness. network’s
Developing and Implementing a MAT To implement a MAT structure – and reap its rewards – local leaders must have a commitment and a plan. Here’s how to build a MAT system in eight steps. Identify an upcoming campaign or issue around which to create a MAT. Are you going into a contract campaign? Is there a particular workplace issue you can mobilize around? While we want to have a functioning MAT structure all year long, it’s far easier to develop one when there’s something important affecting workers. Map or chart all of the local’s worksites – the map should be a physical layout and contain: Who – names of workers Where – location of workers When – shifts of workers Whether or not workers are union members Whether or not workers are PEOPLE members Where current union leaders and activists are located Each leader – officer, executive board member, and steward – identifies 10 co-workers to be part of his or her Member Action Team. Brainstorm to identify other possible MAT leaders, especially in work areas where there are “holes” in union leadership/activism. Consider going deeper into the membership than you have in the past and recruiting people who have played little role in the union. In particular, look for: Good communicators Natural leaders in the workplace People who are respected by co-workers Approach and recruit new MAT leaders and help them establish their MAT teams. Conduct training for all MATs, teaching them how to conduct effective one-on-one conversations. Contact the AFSCME Education Department for training modules and videos at . Decide what you want MATs to talk about with their co-workers and what you want MATs to ask workers to do. For instance, do you want MATs to talk with co-workers about the upcoming contract and get each worker’s view? Do you want MATs to ask their co-workers to wear buttons or sign a petition? Remember, the MAT team is not only for communication but also for mobilization, so MATs should always ask workers to take specific action! Put your MAT in motion. Then meet regularly to continue to build the MAT network, communicate with and mobilize workers, and monitor and evaluate the network’s effectiveness.
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