Making it easy for people to be engaged in political issues.
It's an effort to strengthen the voice of Wisconsin working people. David Wehde, state director for Working America , says the group is talking to people every day about issues important to working families, like good jobs, retirement and health care.
Working America is the AFL-CIO's grassroots organization for workers who don't have unions on the job. Wehde says members all have something in common, like the desire for a better economy and lower gas prices. He says the group acts as a collective voice speaking loudly to elected officials on issues such as increasing the minimum wage.
Wehde says anybody can join the group with no obligation, although there is a voluntary due payment of just five bucks to help support the organization. Wehde says there is regular communication with members, via newsletters, emails, or meetings. Other member benefits include free legal service. There are already about 15-thousand Working America members in Wisconsin, and more than 2 million members nationwide.
The group has been around since 2003, but is new in Wisconsin just eight weeks ago.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:48 MP3)
