Member political action is more important than ever as we prepare to confront an anti-worker agenda at the national level.

Making a difference in the communities where 1199 members live is still very possible. But it is going to take sustained pressure, underpinned by local collaboration and organization.

Working people working together is the best way to advocate for access to good quality, easily accessible healthcare services, wellrun schools and affordable housing within a reasonable distance from the workplace.

Many of the decisions that affect members’ daily lives are taken by elected officials at the local and state level.

In order to give members a better understanding of how this all works and improve their advocacy skills, the 1199 political action division runs an annual program -- which is open to all members --entitled Tools for Change. It is designed to support collective action aimed at elected officials and develop a greater knowledge of union history, so members can better bring about real change.

In 2024, some of the graduates of the Tools for Change program in each of the 1199 regions went on to participate in the Member Leadership Development Program.

In August, these member leaders met for a one-week intensive workshop that included a visit to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on the day that Vice President Kamala Harris was announcing Tim Walz as her running mate.

Each regional team was tasked with developing their own project following the conference to engage with members on the upcoming election.

Members from Upstate New York set up a voter information table at a service workers celebration event to register voters and educate members about voting yes on Proposition 1, also known as the Equal Rights Amendment that enshrined the right to abortion in the NYS constitution when it passed on November 5.

1199ers from Downstate NY hosted an event called “Art to Vote”, offering participants important election information while giving them an opportunity to create art to express their views.

New Jersey member leaders offered a Delegate’s training on voter registration and best practices for turning out the vote.

In Massachusetts, members held an in-person debate watch party for members and friends during the Harris-Trump presidential debate. The event also included voting information and registration assistance. Maryland and Washington D.C. members hosted “Refresh your Mind with 1199 – Know Your Candidates Game Show Edition.” Members and friends competed to test their knowledge about the candidates and issues.