Arizona AFL-CIO's Day of Action at the Capitol

Materials to prep before Arizona AFL-CIO's Day of Action

  At the Capitol, before the action began

  A picture of the historic Senate building

    My name tag. It's affixed to my legislative guide so no one would take mine!

My supervisor and executive director of Arizona AFL-CIO, Rebekah Friend

Today, we held the annual "Arizona AFL-CIO's Day of Action at the Capitol." Boy, was it a lot of work. There were 330 RSVP's and we had approximately 250 people attend. We prepared for a few weeks, but the majority of our clerical work was last Saturday when we stayed at the office until after 9pm. 

Registration began at 9:30am and the events of the day ended at approximately 1:30pm. There were two separate workshops being taught about lobbying and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement that interested parties could attend. We gave each attendee a folder that included several materials that were related to labor in Arizona. We had everyone sign a petition against the budget bills recently passed. I mention that specifically because I created it. I had never created a petition before! We also created materials for everyone to deliver letters to each of their legislators vocalizing the bills in the Arizona legislature that labor opposes. There was an hour for a lunch where there was a lot of mingling and networking. After lunch, the events of the day were over. 

We were a bit disappointed with the turnout, but I think everyone had fun and there were  no crises, so I feel like, overall, it was a successful day. I've been events where we had a huge turnout, but things went disastrously! 

The next day there was quite a bit of work to do in terms of cleanup and getting everything back in order, but nothing like the prep work. I really enjoy and am proud of being a part of Arizona AFL-CIO. I believe that we are an organization that other unions respect and are glad to be affiliated with.