GoIAM 3.0 Launches at Communications Conference

Tue. September 29, 2009
The 2009 IAM Communications Conference kicked off this week with the theme “The New Cutting Edge.”

Delegates from across the U.S. and Canada met in Vancouver, British Columbia, to discuss the union’s strategy for staying on the forefront of 21st century communications.

“There is no question about what’s more important to the local lodge,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger to the full room of local and district Communicators, Educators and Web Stewards. “It’s all in communication. The passing of information is the future.”

Speakers included General Vice President Rich Michalski as Chairperson of the Conference, Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie, General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart, and former Senator Hillary Clinton’s Chief of Staff Tamera Luzzatto.

The highlight of this year’s Conference was the unveiling and launch of GoIAM 3.0, the new IAM Web site at www.goiam.org. In addition to a new look and user-friendly layout, features include an interactive video wall and the ability to comment, rank and share stories. The IAM’s electronic newsletter, iMail, has been converted into a blog. And, the new site includes improved searching capabilities through the use of keywords, also known as “tags.”

“Our goal is to bring IAM communications into the 21st century and better stake our claim in conversations important to our members and working families,” said IAM Communications Director Rick Sloan.  “Right now, there are conversations taking place all over the Web on everything from jobs to the Employee Free Choice Act to health care. Incorporating social networking tools such as a blog, comment fields, story rankings and content sharing will ensure our message is heard – at viral speed.”

Along with the new site, the IAM has also launched official Facebook and Twitter pages. For important union news and updates, visit us on our Facebook fan page by going here.  To follow us on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/machinistsunion and click “follow.”

Union Members Must Make Voices Heard in Health Care Debate  
  
   

Last night, John Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, attended a health care reform town hall meeting held by Rep. Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.). Like many around the nation, it became quite contentious. Here’s the e-mail Durso sent to the members of his local union, RWDSU/UFCW Local 338, describing the meeting and the need for union members to take political action.

Last night I, along with many of our staff, attended a town hall meeting in Brookhaven hosted by Congressman Tim Bishop. There were 800 people inside and 500 people outside—quite a turnout. As most of you have seen or read, it is a hot topic and one that brings out strong feelings on both sides.

What truly troubles me is the lack of manners, the hatred and the misinformation that was spread on this subject. There was at least one shoving match, a near fight and because I did not live in the district and let that be known. I was shouted down, quite a disruption developed and Tim had to ask me to yield the floor. One guy wanted to fight, to which I asked him to step up but he chose not to join me at the microphone. It was quite a night; very interesting. Tim Bishop showed nothing but class and grace under very uncomfortable conditions.

OK, so why am I telling all of you this story? Well, I think it is interesting, but it underscores why we need to be involved in the political process, these people who were screaming and carrying on did not want to talk. They wanted to disrupt. They were told the truth and still refused to listen. They were shown the passages in the bill and it showed them that their information was wrong and still they would not listen.

If we are not engaged in the process, the crazies and the radicals win. If we do not get our people registered to vote and get our people to sign up for [political action], we concede this fight and all our fights to others who wish us harm. We are in a fight for the future of our nation and for the generations that come after us. It is our job, our mission, our destiny to fight and protect the less fortunate then ourselves. It is our duty to be involved and to speak for those who have no voice. It is our country and we must protect it, we need everyone to get involved.

We need our members registered to vote and to sign up for [political action]. I am counting on all of you. Don’t let me, our members and yourselves down.