What happens when a leader for one of America's biggest unions takes the stage to enliven hundreds of activists? Words turn into action. Members made hundreds of visits to legislative offices, held two large rallies, and took part in dozens of action-packed trainings.
Here are some of the best rallying cries from AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr., when he addressed AFGE's activists during the annual Legislative and Grassroots Mobilization Conference in Washington, D.C.:
It's true. We reached some of the most important milestones in our history in 2015. It was a year of challenges, unity, and victories for all of us. Here's a recap.
For years, lawmakers have eroded trust in government. By slashing agencies' budgets to hinder quality delivery of services, bad-mouthing public servants (many of whom are veterans), and degrading employee rights, these radical anti-government lawmakers have said that they want government to be so small it could be drowned in a bathtub. But AFGE members and the Americans they serve know we will not let it happen.
There's no "life hack" for organizing. It takes a lot of elbow grease. That's how we've become the most successful organizers in the labor movement, seeing membership grow for 24 consecutive years. We've surpassed 300,000 members and we are just getting started.
Want to see more inspiration from our legislative and grassroots mobilization conference? Check out #RaiseUp2016 on Twitter and follow us.