Several unions use "Every Member An Organizer" as a slogan, but do they have every one of their members out signing members up for their union? No, because that would be impossible.

Union organizing is regulated by the government, which means there are numerous hoops unions must jump through. If everyone was out signing up new members, we would have hundreds of elections going on at the same time and unable to win any of them because of these hoops.

What "Every Member An Organizer" does mean is that every member understands the importance of growing their union to gain more power. Because power is what it is all about; without it, the world's greatest negotiators cannot secure the best possible contacts. It means taking that understanding and supporting their union, both on the job and in the community.

On the job it is known as internal organizing. Internal organizing amounts to having an army of volunteers on the job to communicate directly with all members and to take action on the job. This is how we get power in the workplace that we can take to the bargaining table to secure the best possible contract.

We also must grow the union externally--by bringing in new members--in order to grow our power, because power is directly related to the number of members in our union. Every member can help organize new members by helping create a positive image of the union in their community. The members do not have to go out and do good deeds or pass out leaflets every weekend to do this. All they have to do is talk positive about the union when the subject of unions comes up in conversations with their friends, neighbors and other people they come in contact with.

It is fine to criticize the actions of your union among your fellow members. That is how we improve. If members did not raise issues at meetings and to their leaders, than the union would not know what must be done to improve things. But complaining to a non-union friend or neighbor does nobody any good except the bosses.

Imagine a conversation between two neighbors like the one that follows. One is a BMWE member, the other is a fellow member of his church who happens to work for a non-union railroad.

Sam Shortline Trackman: Hey Joe, How's it going?

Joe BMWE: Not bad, work is getting me down though.

Sam Shortline Trackman: Oh yeah? What's the problem?

Joe BMWE: Oh, the boss is playing favorites again and my union rep says there's not much he can do about it.

Sam Shortline Trackman: Oh man, that's too bad. I thought unions were supposed to help people.

Joe BMWE: I did too, but mine does not help me. I complain but nothing happens.

Sam Shortline Trackman: I was thinking about asking you how to get a union at my railroad, but I guess I don't want one if it can't help me.

This example is really basic, but BMWE organizers have run into people on drives that have turned us down simply because of one conversation such as this. Our public image is shaped by what non-union members hear. They already get negative messages about unions in the media and from their bosses. If they get it from our members too, we are going to have a tough time growing our union to get the power we need to benefit ourselves.

Now imagine the same people talking, but with just a little different spin.

Sam Shortline Trackman: Hey Joe, how's it going?

Joe BMWE: Not bad, work is getting me down though.

Sam Shortline Trackman: Oh yeah? What's the problem?

Joe BMWE: Oh, the boss is playing favorites again and my union rep says there's not much he can do about it.

Sam Shortline Trackman: Oh man, that's too bad. I though unions were supposed to help people.

Joe BMWE: They are and they do. I could not imagine working without a union. My boss would kill us all if he did not have to worry about our union. We have made gains with our union but I guess you just can't win them all.

Sam Shortline Trackman: Say Joe, can you help me get a union on my railroad, sounds like I need one.

Joe BMWE: I will call my union rep and give him your name.

That is all it takes for every member to be an organizer. You do not need to know the law, and you do not have to work hundreds of hours. All you have to do is give the good points about unions whenever you talk to non-union friends and neighbors. We do not have the money to buy advertising, but we have each other to build our power.