Higher Ed Edition
Building Full Capacity Locals
Processing Gripes and Grievances
What every member advocate needs to know!
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This booklet is a compendium of publications and materials resulting from the talents of many current and past MEA headquarters and field staff members and leaders—too numerous to name, but not too numerous to thank. A very special thank you to Arch Lewis, MEA Research consultant and Rosemary Carey, MEA Communications consultant.
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Dear Local Leader,
One of the indicators of a full capacity local is strong, effective member advocacy. Of critical importance is the ability to successfully address and resolve the issues and concerns that members bring to their association. Whether they be grievances or gripes, the way that members' concerns are addressed at the local level is often the determining factor in how members feel about union membership at all levels. To that end, it is very important for local leaders to have a good understanding of their association's grievance process and other resolution strategies designed to provide the highest quality service and to achieve the best outcome for members. This booklet and the accompanying CD are designed to provide the basics of processing members' "gripes" and grievances. Both are filled with ideas, information and activities that will equip you to successfully deal with members' issues in a systematic, organized and constructive manner. As with all BFCL publications, you can adapt them to fit the needs and limitations of your local. Use them as a training tool: distribute copies to association representatives and grievance committee members at the beginning of the year; cover various sections at special training session(s); select portions to highlight when you communicate with members. These are a starting point. Your UniServ director and MEA staff are available to provide more in-depth training and information on any of the topics addressed in these materials. This booklet and CD, along with other materials, information and support designed to help you strengthen your local association and get more members involved are available by contacting Teri Battaglieri at tbattaglieri@mea.org or 800-292-1934 or by downloading from www.mea.org, Leaders.

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