The steward as communicator.

This may be your most important role. You are the vital link between the union and the members. It's up to you to explain to members what the union is, what it stands for, how it works, what its goals and programs are. And it's you who listens to members to find out what they feel and want, and then carries this information back to the union office.

Our studies have shown that today our members, like the general population, are reading less and less; and yet they value communication with the union more than ever. The best way to do this is to talk to the members personally.