Identifying future leaders and activists

There is a role for everyone who wants to be active

There is an urgent need to increase our activist base, to share the union workload more widely and to organise successfully to win on the big collective issues faced by members.

There is a role for everyone who wants to be active. But the traditional “your union needs you” message has not been identifying enough new activists to replace those who are leaving public service jobs or retiring.

It’s not surprising. Asking members to jump straight into a formal activist role is a big ask – particularly for those who believe they lack the knowledge, time, or confidence to get involved. And especially for those with multiple jobs or carer responsibilities outside of work.

Here’s some ideas to help you build a bigger activist team:

Promote opportunities to members

On its own it is probably not enough, but that doesn’t mean we stop doing it. Make sure all communications regularly remind members of the opportunities to be more involved in the branch, and the training and support available to them.

Talent spot

When we meet highly engaged members, who appear to have the confidence of colleagues, and the potential to make a good workplace rep, make some time to speak with them, and encourage them to get involved.

Build a network of ‘active members’

The active member is a new category of UNISON membership (RMS code 114). They don’t require formal nomination and are not accredited representatives. 

Like the workplace contact role, but they are asked to make a commitment to join a branch coordinated network of other active members to undertake small tasks which engage with workplace colleagues in support of UNISON goals. 

A network of active members can significantly increase the profile and reach of the branch across member workplaces and provides a vital stepping stone between engaged members and formal activist roles. Further information is available under the Branch Vision Project (stage 3).

Identify the ‘natural leaders’

Every workplace has its natural leaders. They are highly respected by their colleagues and often by management too. They are often very good at their job and known by everyone. They are who colleagues go to for informal support or advice. 

They may not be loud or outspoken, but they are influential in the workplace. When they do speak, others listen. They are not necessarily union members, and if they are they may not yet be active. But identifying them and successfully bringing them into UNISON activism can significantly grow UNISON membership and strengthen organisation. 

For further information of how to identify and recruit natural leaders, see the Organising to Win guide on recruiting natural leaders and activists.

Organise to address under-representation

If specific groups are under-represented in branch activist roles, organise intentionally to engage and increase activism within those membership groups. 

Take some time to speak with groups of under-represented members directly and through self-organised groups, to identify the deeply and widely felt issues that matter to them. 

Then engage those members in a campaign to win change in the workplace, and to increase membership, participation and activism in the branch