The social network for trade unionists - a LabourStart project.

How to Save Unions with Capitalist Advertising Techniques?

Peter sez:

It's difficult to see what's 'left' about this project. The language of 'image' and 'branding' and 'recovering' is that of capitalist advertising and public relations, and having it presented, quite uncritically, as something labour can benefit from seems, to me, to further incorporate unions into a capitalist culture.

What is, surely, rather needed is a reinvention of the labour movement, with such a process certainly requiring high attention to culture and communication, but with these then thought out in terms appropriate to the values and experiences of the newest social movements - not coat-tailing on the methods used to sell junk food to overweight people.

Oh, and attendance as this circus costs $1,000 per participant. Thus reinforcing the notion that unions can buy their way out of their deepest yet historical crisis.

Now read on...

http://www.revivinglaboursimage.sgnews.ca/

Canada's alternative online news source presents:

Reviving Labour's Image

A workshop featuring Terry O'Reilly
September 14-15, Courtyard by Marriott, Downtown Toronto

Do you think unions can't improve their image?� Think it's hopeless to even try? Don't bother reading more of this. But if you think a better image will help unions elect more worker-friendly governments, win more public support for strikes, make organizing easier and build more membership commitment to labour's agenda, keep reading.

Something can be done. And it doesn't take millions of dollars or a national television ad blitz to do it.

As union activists increasingly acknowledge, something must be done now about labour's image. The Harper government has taken a bare-knuckle approach to labour rights and is backing "dues disclosure" legislation that could financially knee-cap many small unions. The Rand Formula could be next in Harper's sights. We're seeing the same threat of union-profiling in Saskatchewan with Brad Wall's musings about ending check-off. The disease is spreading.

Straight Goods is the innovator in Left communication. So this will be an action-oriented workshop with practical ideas, inexpensive image-building tips and insights you can use beginning the next day. You will see tested, evidence-based image-building strategies to restore the union "brand" � and case studies presented by the professionals with real-life experience helping organizations change their public image.

In 2006, 2008, and 2010, Straight Goods News held the first Persuading to Win workshops on persuasive communication for progressives with George Lakoff and experts in social media, market research, word-of-mouth advertising, fund-raising and the psychology of persuasion. More than 100 officers and key staff from unions in Canada and US participated. Many said Persuading to Win was the best course on the craft of communication they've attended.

Urgency propels this project. Attendance is capped at 60 to enable discussion, and it is nearly sold out. There is, however, a waiting list. As at earlier Persuading to Win workshops, the cost is still $1,000 per person plus HST/GST. Organizations can get five spots for $4,000 plus HST/GST.

Please let us know right away if your organization will support "Reviving Labour's Image" and how many seats we should hold for you and your colleagues.

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