Member engagement
Engaging our members is an ongoing journey that is a priority for all of us. Building a strong union means building from within and every member has a role to play. We know that a bigger union gives us a stronger voice to raise wages, improve working conditions, and advocate for the services our members provide in our communities. Whether it’s your nature to speak up loudly or work behind the scenes quietly, we must stay involved and encourage others to join us!
Here are some great ways to get involved
- Connect with our union.
- Volunteer; reach out to leadership to have a conversation about how you can help
- Ask other members to get involved
- Be active in your community and workplace from day one
- Join a Blitz (member outreach event)
- Actively participate in CSEA events and activities
- Participate in online, in-person or other opportunities to share ideas and learn about resources
- Be visible, available, and open to new relationships and experiences
Not a leader but want to get involved?
Goals for member engagement
Getting to know each other better at our CSEA workplaces helps us build our teams, share the workload, give each other ideas and make union activity more enjoyable.
Engaged members are more likely to contribute to CSEA’s success and advocate for what we deserve.
For assistance, please contact CSEA’s Member Engagement Division by calling 1-800-342-4146.
Contact the member engagement team
Get organized
We’re under attack by billionaires and anti-union extremists who want to destroy the public services we provide and roll back laws that protect our health and safety at work, our job security – even the freedom to join a union. We’re not going to let that happen. It’s our hard work – not corporate greed – that makes our communities stronger.
Understanding your strength and purpose as a leader — A local or unit is only strong with an engaged membership
Here are some great ways to engage your members
Make Communication Two-Way
Members engage more when they feel heard. Meeting members where they already are leads to higher participation.
- Send quick text alerts through the MyCSEA app
- Use polls and surveys to identify issues and better understand of members’ wants and needs
- Create a communications team responsible for sharing information and gathering feedback
- Use social media and other online platforms to share information efficiently—post short videos and member testimonials
Create Member-Led Committees
Give members real roles in the union.
- Safety committee
- Contract action team
- New member orientation team
- Labor-to-neighbor committee
Give Clear Ways to Take Action
Members engage when they know exactly what to do.
- Join a blitz
- Sign a petition
- Wear a CSEA t-shirt or button-up day
- Call a legislator
Organize Social & Community Events
Relationships matter. Stronger social bonds build solidarity.
- Attend a rally
- BBQs, picnics or holiday gatherings
- Volunteer days
- Family-friendly events
Member Spotlight Series
Highlight members in newsletters or social media. This builds pride and community and is a great way to recognize members.
- Name and department
- Years on the job
- “Why the union matters to me”
- “My favorite member benefit is…”
Call 1-800-342-4146
CSEA Officers: Contact Member Engagement
New Employee Orientation Resources for Officers
New officers: learn about the CSEA New Employee Orientation (NEO) program, designed to introduce new employees to our union on day one. It is our responsibility to grow our union, increase membership and engagement. Resources like this video are available on our NEO page.
