Volunteer Member Organizers blitz Delaware County

Volunteer Member Organizers (VMOs) teamed up with Council 13 staff in Delaware County, PA, over the weekend of October 17-18 for an organizing blitz to have important one-on-one conversations with AFSCME members and build worker power throughout Delco. 

VMOs are a dedicated force of AFSCME members who inspire, lead, and encourage by volunteering on campaigns in their own backyard or wherever workers are organizing. They help workers organize a union forthe first time, work on political campaigns to elect worker-friendly candidates, and sign up and activate new members in AFSCME locals. VMOs make a difference by empowering workers to win respect and a voice on the job.

Gathering in the basement of the United Steelworkers hall in Chester, PA, this group of Council 13 VMOs polished their skills before visiting work sites and homes to speak to county, school district, and state employees, about the importance of union membership and workplace action. 

"This was a great opportunity to interact with my fellow workers, share ideas, and listen to some of the challenges people are facing out there, while also encouraging folks to join us as union members," said Remon Grees, a member of AFSCME Local 1981 and first-time VMO.

In Delaware County, AFSCME members power the courthouse, county assistance office, and Chichester School District. Each local union faces its own unique challenges, but the power of union solidarity offers the ability to address issues and negotiate for better conditions.

"A stroke of a pen can change lives; being a union member empowers me to influence that pen," said Local 1979 member and experienced VMO Anne Radakovits.

Want to become a VMO? Click here!

See photos of the action below and be on the lookout for more opportunities to get involved with your union in the near future!