Purpose: How do I get people to do a job?

Ask them. Few people will volunteer their services. This does not mean that they don't want to be active, however. People generally wait for someone to ask them. Asking builds activity.

How to Use: Who should ask them?
If possible, someone they know and trust, someone whose influence they respond to; a friend, a neighbor, a coworker, a person with prestige in the union. But if you cannot arrange forsomeone else to inquire, do it yourself. Remember that the act of asking is itself important. After this has been done, be sure that the new recruit is welcomed by the leader of the groups/he will work with. The most effective combination is therefore being asked by someone s/healready knows and being welcomed by whomever is heading up the activity.

Here are other answers to commonly asked questions:

1. What do I tell them?

• Make clear what job you are asking them to do, and be sure it has a definite beginningand end. People do not want to sign up for life, so do not get them to over-commit themselves.
• Ask people to do things they can do well, especially in the beginning. People are morewilling to begin things they know they can do. Later, when they are really a part of yourgroup, they will be more willing to try new things.
• Tell each person how their job fits in with the rest. People want to understand things that they are part of, and they work best when they know that others are depending on them.
• Let each person know that their help is needed. If s/he feels that you are just "lookingfor people" s/he will also feel easily replaceable and less responsible for doing a job.
• Discuss their own goals and how they fit into those of the union. People have their own reasons for volunteering, and you need to know them in order to lead effectively. Also,you must help people keep their expectations realistic, otherwise you will not be able to meet them.
• Ask what they would like to know, and give them plenty of time and help in raisingquestions. Many people are reluctant to ask questions, but they will work better afterthey have done so.
• Do these things in person; do not rely only on printed circulars, letters, and phone calls. There is no substitute for talking face-to-face. It lets the person know that you considerthe discussion important, and it gives you a chance to get acquainted with them.
• You have a right to be enthusiastic about the importance of your work. Do not apologize or belittle it. Your mood will get across to the people you talk to, and they will respond to it.

2. How do I build an active committee?

• Keep Records: You cannot keep it all in your head.
• Have a list of members, with names and up-to-date addresses and phone numbers.
• Keep minutes or notes on jobs to do and decisions made.
• Keep a list of each person's skills and strong suits.