Ten Standing Orders for Local F-85’s Leadership
1.) Fight for what is right aggressively – never backing down, but always move in a diplomatic manner letting the argument speak for itself.
2.) Initiate all actions based on previous Management behavior. Anticipate what they are most likely going to say before you meet and have responses to their objections developed prior.
3.) Recognize current Management concerns and never belittle their objections [unless they are outlandish].
4.) Ensure that the organization is used as a tool to cultivate the Brotherhood.
5.) Obtain regular information and stay informed with what is happening in Washington.
6.) Remain in communication with the Membership outside of the General Membership Meetings with updates and postings.
7.) Determine your safe zones and escape routes in all situations.
8.) Establish and maintain lookouts external to our Local by staying in touch with other Local Presidents and leadership in the 16th District and in the IAFF.
9.) Retain your composure at all times. The minute things get personal, is when it all falls apart.
10.)Stay alert, think clearly, act decisively and realize that the Local is a business and should be run like one at all times.
Watch Out Situations for F-85’s Membership
1. The Local’s leadership does not have an offensive/progressive plan – only a defense.
2. The Local’s leadership is acting without obvious consultation with the Executive Board or Membership.
3. Actions are being taken without consultation with 16th District Vice President or IAFF Legal Staff.
4. The Local’s President is not feeling encouraged and supported.
5. Member[s] of the Executive Board feel excluded or out of the loop.
6. The Stewards are not trained and are not quite sure what to do when called upon.
7. Relationships with Members of Congress are not being cultivated and maintained.
8. The Local’s Trustees are not engaged and annual audits are not being reported to the Membership.
9. The Local’s credit card is being used for personal items/services with the intent of the Local being reimbursed later.
10. A copy of Atwood’s Rules for Meetings is not at the head table at a Membership or Executive Board Meeting and/or no one in the Local’s leadership has studied it.
11. The Local’s Leadership is blowing off the bylaws.
12. Decisions are made during the course of a Membership Meeting without a motion being made and voted on.
13. A new firefighter on the Department has not been approached about joining the Local within his first week on the job.
14. An individual on the Executive Board is using their position for personal interest/gain.
15. Uneven application by Management of policies negotiated with the Local.
16. The Local’s Leadership is sending out correspondence and information without it being proofread.
17. The Local is in the process of defending someone who is not, on some level, capable of taking responsibility for his or her actions.
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