Best practice organising tools and resources
Organising to Win (OtW) is about purposeful organising. Not just to grow and strengthen the union, but to build participation in a way that delivers wins for members. Central to the strategy is the ongoing evaluation of organising activity to learn key lessons, understand what works, and then roll out organising best practice across the union.
The Organising Space and the OtW webinar series are central to that goal.
What is the Organising Space?
The Organising Space is an online platform created to support UNISON activists with organising. It is where we store OtW campaign case studies, best practice resources, and recordings of the OtW organising tools and techniques webinar series.
On the Organising Space, you can connect with activists across the Union in the Communities, access an ever-growing curated collection of OtW resources, and develop your organising skills in the learning pathways.
How can I access the Organising Space?
The Organising Space can be accessed using your Smartphone, tablet, or PC. All UNISON activists can access the Organising Space using your MyUNISON number and password. Log on to the Space here: https://organisingspace.unison.org.uk
ACTION:All branches are asked to ensure that every activist is aware of the Organising Space, has MyUNISON log in details, and is able to access and navigate the platform. It is recommended that a short demonstration be held at a meeting of the branch committee. If support is required, contact s.organisingunit@unison.co.uk.
What could I add to the Organising Space?
In the forums on the Organising Space (called the Communities), you can ask questions, give advice, and share resources about organising for fellow activists to use. Sharing campaign success stories, leaflet / poster templates, training materials etc can all help build the confidence of branches and activists to develop their own organising activities.
Organising to Win webinars
Following NDC 2023 approval of the OtW strategy, the national Strategic Organising Unit launched a webinar series to equip and inspire activists and staff to build stronger workplace unions. Just 40 minutes in length each, the webinar recordings are available as a branch training resource and can be accessed via the Organising Space.
2023 OtW webinar recordings available include:
- The Organising to Win Strategy – introduction
- UNISON 5 Phase Plan to Win and Pay Fair for Patient Care Campaign
- Anger Hope Action – 6 Step Organising Conversation
- Building Power Through Workplace Mapping & Charting
- Leader identification, activist recruitment & building an organising team
- Organising in Multi-Academy Trusts – early lessons from Organising to Win
- Organising for ballots and action
- The Organising Space
The webinars, which share best practice case studies from across the union, will continue to be held at midday on the first Monday of the month throughout 2024. Forthcoming webinars include:
Learning Agreements & Union Learning Reps on 4 March 2024 at 12 noon. Please register to attend.
Registration link https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpdOqurjMqHdG15wzt_l0YYrcjnGFG6TDV
Building an Organising Team on 8 April 2024. Details to be confirmed.
ACTION: Details and registration link for each webinar is always circulated via the activist digital. Please draw it to the attention of all activists and active members and encourage attendance.