Being part of a union means being part of a collective. Even in the face of a political
environment that’s hostile to public services, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and decent rights for
workers, there are things we can do together for a fairer future. We are not powerless or alone.
In the words of writer Nadine Anne Hura (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) “hope is shaped like a shovel and will give you blisters”.
Here are some ideas for picking up a shovel:
1. Go to your local union meeting, coffee catchup, or event. Union spaces are a safe place to bring your political opinions, connect with others, and share what’s going on. Get in touch with your delegate to ask what’s coming up.
2. Come to rallies, protests, or community events in your area. There are events happening regularly for Fairer Tax, Pay Equity, Climate Change, Palestine, for Toitū Te Tiriti, and many other kaupapa. Remember you have a right to attend political actions as community and public servants.
3. Look into local groups in your community who are already working on issues you care about. Find out about the next Radical Sewing Circle meeting, river cleanup, or street appeal.
4. Steer your union to take action when we need to. Our union is our members. Reach out via a local delegate or organiser, or our social media channels and phone line and talk to us about what you’re noticing in your community and your workplace.
5. Harness your specialist skill toward the change you want to see. All of us have something different to offer. Whether you’re trained in research and analysis, healthcare and wellbeing, or finance – channel what you have into community action.
6. Join a PSA Network and connect with groups of union members organising for change. Our union has the Eco Network for climate and environmental issues, the Deaf and Disability Network, Out@PSA for rainbow whānau, the Pasefika Network, Youth Network, Social Workers Action Network, Women’s Network, and ALMA our network for diverse ethnic communities.
7. Organise where you are. Join up with people in the communities you’re part of – whether it’s your faith group, gardening workshop, walking group, surf, book, or sports club, or dungeons and dragons crew – to take along to events, write letters to politicians, and share what’s working.
