Endorsements

Kinds of Endorsements

• Level One: A “seal of approval” from UAUO that could be given to multiple candidates in the same race.
• Level Two: UAUO can send a recommendation for an endorsement to the statewide AFT or AAUP, without making a direct endorsement.
• Level Three: A full-fledged endorsement involving both a public UAUO endorsement, and a recommendation to statewide AFT & AAUP to endorse.

Process

Requests for endorsement come to the Politics Committee (PC) through the appropriate staff, or a candidate can directly submit the request for endorsement form, which is automatically sent to the appropriate staff member.

This form is reviewed by the PC:

• • The PC may invite the candidate for an informational conversation if that seems it would be helpful.
  • The PC then summarize impressions, research and considerations to discuss with Executive Council (EC), providing a clear recommendation.

The EC discusses the PC’s findings and after consideration:

• • The EC can choose to make a level 1 endorsement.
  • If the EC wishes to pursue a level 2 or 3 endorsement: substantial opportunity for member input will be created in the form of member polling, an information gathering session, a town hall with the candidate with a mechanism for feedback, or something similar. Outreach to Representatives and Stewards is to happen simultaneously with outreach to broader union membership. Reps and Stewards, however, have a special responsibility to be responsive in these cases, and would be asked to insure their feedback reaches the EC in a timely manner.
  • The EC would then review the request and member feedback in the case of level 2 and level 3 endorsements, and take an up or down vote on these levels of support.