IFO Grassroots Organizing Spring Semester Update

This academic year has been one of exciting changes in the IFO. A key example is the IFO choosing to adopt a grassroots organizing model, led by our newest staff member, Director of Organizing, Matt Smriga. Through 1 to 1 conversations, phone calls and office visits, teams of Volunteer Faculty Organizers began the process of building relationships with colleagues across MinnState universities in order to recruit new IFO members and engage existing members on a deeper level than ever before.

Some results...

New members are up: so far this academic year we have recruited over 240 new IFO members. This exceeds the new member total from each of the last 5 fiscal years and sets a new record for new members added in a year (since the IFO began keeping track in FY13).

In addition to adding new members to the IFO, we’re beginning to see the results of a more deeply engaged membership base. On the recently completed contract ratification vote, we increased the number of those who voted on the contract by 200 members compared to the vote before, which represents a 4% increase in the participation of eligible voters. This is likely due in large part to organizing efforts to reach populations not before deeply engaged in the IFO, like the adjunct and community faculty membership drive that took place in January.

This is only the very beginning as we will continue to adopt a robust grassroots organizing approach into the future. If you are an organizer, reaching out to your colleagues on campus and engaging them in the work of the union, thank you. The work you do is strengthening your union.

Attend Precinct Caucuses on Tuesday, Feb 6

“The world belongs to those who show up,” former state Sen. Jack Davies once famously said.

We need you to show up on February 6 at your local precinct caucus.
 

On Tuesday, February 6, Minnesotans will gather at neighborhood meetings across the state — called precinct caucuses — to set in motion the important process that will help Democrats, Republicans, and other political parties pick their candidates for Governor, Congress, legislative races, and 4 statewide constitutional offices for the election this fall. Party platforms will also be developed through resolutions that are offered at this first stage. 

Why should you attend? First, your job and livelihood will be decided by the people elected in November. Second, You will meet and engage with candidates running for your party’s endorsement. Third, You can shape the issues that your party stands for so it better represents you and your community. Lastly, you meet your neighbors and talk with them about issues important to you.

This is an important opportunity for faculty to engage prospective lawmakers about the issues that are important to them. We strongly urge all faculty to attend their local precinct caucuses and engage in the grassroots political process.

It is also an important opportunity to support Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan in the straw poll that will be conducted at the DFL caucuses. The IFO proudly endorsed Tim Walz's campaign for Governor in September. 
 
Also, volunteers will have a chance to be elected to county, legislative district, congressional district, and state conventions in the spring and summer. It is important faculty make their voices heard in this process to ensure higher education, workers rights, and the other issues we advocate for remain top issues for all political parties. 
 
Please visit the IFO website for detailed information and a draft resolution that could be offered at your caucus. For additional information about precinct caucuses, click here. To find your local caucus site please visit the MN Secretary of State's website by clicking here.
 
If you have any questions please contact our IFO Director of Public Affairs, Jonathan Bohn.