Idle Pens Are Not Mightier Than Swords

Most of us recognize that the American labor movement is not in a healthy state. The recent, widespread rumblings for reform makes clear that there is general agreement that we cannot afford to let our condition fester much longer. The past few months have been a time of introspection for labor leaders, a time to ask ourselves what unhealthy behaviors and unfortunate setbacks got us here to begin with. Then, once this period of self-reflection is over, we must change---or die.

This publication, "Communicate or Die," is about change. Specifically, it's about improving labor's approach to the Internet as a communication tool. Our mission is to build a network of labor and technology professionals to discuss and develop solutions that allow unions to realize the full potential of Internet technology.

As the title of our publication signifies, we believe communication is vital to the survival of the American labor movement. We also maintain that the Internet is a key component to any communication strategy and can be instrumental to encouraging workers to get more involved in organized labor's struggles. Although effective use of the Internet can't guarantee success for unions, improper and uninspired application of the technology greatly increases the odds for failure.

It's often said that the pen is mightier than than the sword. Unfortunately, labor's pens have been largely idle in the grassroots arena of the Internet. Over ten years after the dawn of the World Wide Web, only a handful of labor organizations employ the Internet to engage workers in meaningful or creative ways. The majority of unions today rely on outdated, poorly designed, one-way communication technologies not much more effective than passing out leaflets on a North Dakota street corner during a blizzard. And largely, there is one huge overriding and grossly unacceptable reason for this. And that reason is the profound ignorance, coupled with a good dose of fear, of existing Internet technologies and the opportunities they afford. "Communicate or Die" wishes to work to change this.

This publication embraces all individuals interested in advising unions on how to formulate better, more efficacious Internet strategies. We hope to attract communication specialist and IT movers and shakers working at the highest ranks of the labor movement as well as disenfranchised workers who want to share their ideas for how labor unions can do a better job of reaching out and including them. We pledge to be inclusive of all constructive criticisms, ideas, and viewpoints. Welcome!