UNISONActive is an unofficial blog produced by UNISON activists for UNISON activists. Bringing news, briefings and events from a progressive left perspective.

Saturday 9 October 2010

Campaign festival launched in Scotland

UNISON Scotland is launching 'Mobilise', a 'Campaign Skills Festival’ comprising short and linked modules on trade union history, political education, econcomis, campaigning, media, new media, researching, videos, public speaking and organising. Working jointly with Communications and Campaigns colleagues, the event from 19-21 November will tap into the huge range of skills and knowledge from lay and full time officers across the Region.

Facing the attacks on our jobs and services means there is an unprecedented need for branch activists to develop skills to run effective local campaigns; to deal with the media (both traditional and new); to engage effectively with members and with community groups and with the public. The event will consist of practical workshops where new skills can be learned and existing ones practised.


Giving activists the tools for the job is a key part of organising. “We don’t need to re-invent the wheel”, said Scotland L&O chair Jim Burnett.  “Across the union people are coming up with fantastic work. We need to learn from that, pull the resources together and find new ways of involving activists and members”.

Johns Stevenson, Scotland's Cahir of Commuicatiuons and Campaigbns said, "This is part of a connected plan of action to give members and activists the information they need and the skills they need to take forward the massive campaign we must mount in the years and months ahead".