Conventions are an important part of many unions’ and Labor organizations’ governance. These Conventions allow the Delegates, who represent the organization’s members and stakeholders, the opportunity to provide guidance and direction to their leadership. One way the Delegates do this is by passing resolutions that direct the organization to enact policy, create programs, or take action.

A resolution may have passed at Convention, but once the closing gavel comes down it can be easy to slip back into “business as usual” for the members who have served as Delegates and the organization’s leadership. It is imperative that resolution supporters hold their leadership accountable and remind them of the resolutions adopted at Convention.

Once Delegates have returned home they should report on the resolutions passed at Convention to their Local members and leadership. It’s also important that they pay attention to the actions of their Labor organizations post-Convention by following news on their organization’s activities.

It’s important that Delegates stay in touch with the people they’ve met after Convention, too! By maintaining communications with each other, Delegates can build an activist cohort within their organizations and ensure leadership is staying true to the resolutions they worked so hard to pass.

Passing a resolution is like any other vote we take in the United States – the vote is just the first part of the process.  Reminding our leadership of that vote and holding them accountable is an ongoing process. Don’t be afraid to speak up and speak out, and be sure to keep the contact information for Delegates you met at Convention handy – you might want to work with them on crafting another resolution for a future Convention!

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