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Organizing Tools - Union 101

Let's Talk about Unions
Looking for a way to start the conversation around membership? We’ve created tools and explainers about union membership that you can send to potential members.
By: National Education Association
Published: July 18, 2023
This toolkit originally appeared on NEA.org

How to use this toolkit

  • Learn about the power of educators coming together through their union.
  • Share our conversation starters to help potential and existing members understand key union terms.
  • Use prompts to schedule follow up conversations that deepen relationships and connections.

When educators are respected, appreciated, heard, and have the resources we need, we can give students our very best. NEA members come together through our union to win for our students, our schools, and ourselves. 

By joining together, we have more power to advocate for: 

  • Better pay and benefits 
  • Better working conditions 
  • Better learning conditions for our students 

Spread the Word

Use these prompts to start a conversation with someone following an initial contact. You can also change them a bit and use them to reach out to someone you haven't heard from in a while!

Share These Messages

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On Text Message

Hi <FIRSTNAME>, it’s <YOURNAME> from <AFFILIATENAME>! It was great talking to you about our union. I know there are a lot of new terms to learn while you consider membership. Check out our union glossary to get started! <LINK>

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On Email

Hi <FIRSTNAME>, 

It’s <YOURNAME> from <AFFILIATENAME>! It was great meeting you at <EVENTNAME>. I’m following up to let you know a little bit more about our union. 

Our members impact meaningful change for educators and students. Together, we have successfully raised educator wages, improved working conditions, supported student loan forgiveness, and made sure the voices of educators are heard. 

Our collective voice is our power. Learn about the union advantage >>  

I’d love to talk to you more about our union and what we can achieve together. Are you free for a quick chat sometime this month? 

In solidarity, 

<YOURNAME>

Graphic Explainers

Share these images to let educators know that there are tools to help them understand union membership!
We are the union. 3 million members, fourteen thousand communities, fifty states. Speaking up up for students and public schools.
We are the union. 3 million members, fourteen thousand communities, fifty states. Speaking up up for students and public schools.

Together we have the power to advocate for better learning conditions, working conditions, pay, and benefits.
Together we have the power to advocate for better learning conditions, working conditions, pay, and benefits.

The union advantage.
The union advantage.

Talk About Our Wins

Sharing these local and statewide victories shows educators that union membership makes a real and daily difference in their schools. We have identified wins for every state, showing that our power is not limited by geography or political party.

Share These Messages

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On Social Media

NEA educators deliver real change. We meet with school administrators and lawmakers from both political parties to make sure our voices are being heard and respected. Find out how we are creating change in all 50 states: nea.org/win

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On Email

Dear <FIRSTNAME>,  

By banding together, our members impact meaningful change for educators and students. 

Together, we have successfully raised educator wages, improved working conditions, supported student loan forgiveness, and made sure the voices of educators are actually heard.  

Check out 50 ways members are winning for students, schools, and each other. 

There are thousands educators just like us across the state and millions of educators across the country working together to accomplish things one teacher, one bus driver, one janitor, or even one district can’t. 

How are educators creating change in your state? Click here to find out!  

Together we are stronger. Together we are heard. If you are interested in the union, but are unsure about joining, I would love to connect and answer any questions you have. 

In solidarity, 

<YOURNAME>

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On Text Message

Hi there! This year, educators came together for schools, students, and each other. See how we made a difference in all 50 states: nea.org/win

MORE WAYS TO TALK ABOUT YOUR UNION

Looking for more ways to start the conversation around membership? Check out our other tools for additional content on the issues educators care about most.
two teachers talking in an empty classroom

How to Have Transformational Organizing Conversations

This guide will help you start recruitment conversations and navigate those questions while highlighting all that NEA has to offer at the local, state and national level.
Organizing Conversation Guide
union and collective bargaining art build

Let's Talk About Union Membership

This guide supports educators as they work together to grow our union. Find videos, graphics, and downloadable posters to help you spread the word about your membership drive.
Recruitment Conversation Guide
A young woman is coached by an experienced teacher

Organizing Conversation Starters

From student debt to health care, NEA members are winning changes on the issues educators care about most. Check out these guides to start organizing conversations that strengthen union power,
Conversation Starter: Health Care Conversation Starter: Student Debt Conversation Starter: Pensions

Download and Share

Print these union explainers and share them with educators at events, in your staff lounge, and over coffee.

Downloads

USE YOUR EDUCATOR VOICE

We are the voice for educators in Kansas. See what membership can mean for you!
KNEA ESP members pose for a picture together holding signs that say, "1 job should be enough."

Together we're stronger. Together we're heard.

You belong in the movement! Join today to belong to the movement of educators and school staff fighting for the pay and working conditions we all deserve.
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Advocating for educators' rights and for quality education

We are educational professionals advocating to bring together our members, Kansans and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education. We are driven by a vision of a great public school for every student. Our core values guide our work, starting with our unwavering belief in equal opportunity.
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