DSA

In 1985, Local 1199 members met in Columbus, Ohio for an organizing conference. The members were mostly healthcare and social service workers from states all across the country, but primarily in Appalachian and East Coast states who would later join the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

At the conference, the union provided “1199’s Advice to Rookie Organizers.” This handwritten document included 20 tips for organizers, urging them to stay focused on rank-and-file organizers, empower them to organize for themselves, and honestly facilitate their organizing. In the years since, Jane McAlevey popularized the list in her educational and training materials.