Danny Ernstes-Administrator Indiana Working Families E-Activist Network

The Indiana Working Families E-Activist Network is a network of unions in Indiana that utilize the Internet to get timely news updates, information about scheduled events, along with legislative and other pertinent information to those who are concerned about the social and economic justice of Indiana’s working families. The members of the Indiana Working Families E-Activist Network are then given the opportunity to make their voice heard by sending a communication via Internet to their elected officials, or to confirm their participation in an event or send an editorial to the local newspaper, or maybe even target a company who refuses to bargain with their employees---the ability to make our voice heard is unlimited!

Highlights Of The System based system (One address per person, members of the Network can have other addresses). Network is open to all union members and their families; as well as others who will support the mission of the Indiana E- Activist Network. Registration into the network occurs by registrant either going online ( or filling out a sign up form. Registrant is required to furnish certain information at sign up. This allows the system to properly organize registrant into proper groups. (Union, County, Political District, etc). Data collected at sign up: Name, Street Address, Address, Union Affiliation and or Organization, Local Union Number (if applicable), Gender, Active or Retired.

Highlights Of The System (Continued) Data in depth 1.Name 2.Address-the address that is given matches the registrant with a specific zip code and county which then matches them with their elected officials. (President, Governor, US Senators, Congressperson, State Representative and State Senator). 3.Union/Organization Affiliation-if a registrant is a union member or a member in an organization they must provide this information, if they are not they may select “not a member”. (This allows each union/organization to be an overall part of the system, but yet, operate independent of each other if they wish). 4.Local Union Number 5.Gender 6.Active or Retired

Highlights Of The System (Continued) Data in depth “Security Issues” All data is kept on the Get Active servers in San Francisco—where it can only be accessed by the Indiana Working Families E-Activist Network administrators. All data is kept confidential---no sharing of data between unions/organizations or any outside interests. Each member’s profile is password protected and can only be accessed by that member or the system administrators. Members may opt out of the system at anytime by either doing it themselves or submitting an requesting to be removed. The Indiana Working Families E-Activist Network reserves the right to remove and block members from reentering the system. The system administrator must do system maintenance in order to keep the system in good working order. Care is taken that the integrity of all data is kept confidential and in working order.

System Performance The main focus of the e-activist network is to communicate with the members of the network and have them take the required action. As issues arise that require an action or attention, as determined by union leadership, alerts are sent out to the targeted audience asking for each member to take to take part. The Network will support the following: 1.Political Action- s or phone calls to their specific legislator as well as involvement into political campaigns. 2.Attend An Action or Event-send confirming 3.Education-send an editorial to a targeted newspaper 4.Specific targeted action-the system can be set up to target a specific person, company, legislator, etc. This tool can be important in collective bargaining, strikes, organizing, etc. All actions taken by members are measurable. (Number of s opened, click thru rate on messages, messages sent, replies, etc). Only numbers are given on the level of actions taken by members—all personal information is kept confidential.

Building the Network In Indiana The Indiana Working Families E-Activist Network is very new but an effective tool for labor leaders in Indiana. Since mid January 2005 we have averaged about 21 registrations a day. To increase effectiveness we must acquire more VOLUME! We must increase membership in the Network. Even though members are all lumped into one network, the data they provide at registration allows for sub groups to be formed at various levels: 1.Union 2.Local Union 3.Organization 4.County 5.Zip Code 6.Political District 7.Gender 8.Active or Retired Future functions of the network: fundraising, community service, food drives, etc.

Building the Network In Indiana (continued) Ways to Increase Membership Into the Indiana E-Activist Network Conduct worksite, union/organizational meetings drive. Use the sign up forms that are available at look under the e-activist toolbox. Link your website to the Indiana Working Families sign up page. Once again go to and look under the e-activist toolbox for instructions on how to do this. Publish the e-activist sign up form in your local newsletters. As the Internet becomes a larger part of our everyday life it is important that labor/organization leaders embrace this system and devote the necessary resources to make sure it grows and becomes a way of life for our members over the coming years. It is no secret that in the years to come labor will face many attacks from the political and corporate worlds---our ability to respond effectively will determine our ability to survive.

Building the Network In Indiana (continued) Open Discussion and Questions about the E-activist Network