Broadbent Institute Progress Summit 2024

Broadbent institute progress summit 2024

Press Progress Reporter Emily Leedham hosted the Action Network Panel and there were 3 individuals on the panel for the live podcast and audience; Martha Grant from the action network team, Michael Aubry from PSAC; and Heather Johnston from the IAM DL78 office.

Emily asked questions about how we are using Action Network, how it works and what we have found regarding improving communications with our members and ease of use.

Martha talked about how the development of Action Network came about and how it is specifically designed for Unions, to make communication better and easier, to poll members and create events, letter campaigns to blanket politicians with emails in support of a campaign that unions are running etc. They have also developed a program called Action Builder that is tailored to assist with Organizing on a digital level, tracking conversations and contacts, making it easier to collect information and keep everyone involved in the campaign on the same page.

Michael is one of 5 people who organized the PSAC strike in 2023 using the Action Network and Builder programs to unite 150 thousand workers across Canada, he stated that this size a strike is the only one of its kind in Canada- relying solely on digital information, using Action Network to send information out on where the polling stations were, times etc. also using digital sign ins when members arrived at their polling stations.

Heather spoke on the transition from other mailing platforms to the Action Network, about how the process of transition was easy- even for someone not from a technological background. How the tracking of emails being opened, whether they have acted by clicking on links is a great feature; and how there has been an increase in membership engagement; that the DL is looking at setting up mobile messaging so that members can be reached where they are, on a platform they use.
She gave a huge thank you to CLC member Ryan Gillies for all his help with the process.

It was an amazing experience and very informative; fascinating to learn more about what Mr. Broadbent did for the Labour Unions and working people.