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Getting Involved

Introduction to the IWW

All workers welcome! Members and non-members have a chance to learn more about the key principles and values of the Industrial Workers of the World. Together we will clear up myths and misconceptions about unions and discuss what makes the IWW unique. Learn what the Portland IWW is doing to improve working conditions and how you can get involved. We will explore how to work and live in Solidarity with each other. If you are interested in attending an Introduction to the IWW, register online and we will contact you about the next scheduled class.

Organizer Training

Our two day Organizer Trainings are also a place to get a platform of basic education and information about starting an organizing campaign at your workplace.  The trainings are about sixteen hours of content and cover such basics as: gathering contact information, building an organizing committee, and  understanding your rights as a worker when participating in workplace organizing.  If you are interested in attending the next Organizer Training, contact the branch secretary to find out when the next available training is scheduled.

General Membership Branch Meetings (GMBs)

The Portland branch currently holds its monthly business meeting on the last Sunday of every month.  These meetings are typically closed meetings, and are only open to current members of the IWW. These meetings are a place where much of the business and decision making of the local branch is carried out.   We offer a short training on the rules we use during the meeting, better known as Rusty’s Rules, one hour prior to every branch meeting.  If you are interested in attending a GMB meeting but haven’t yet joined the union, contact our branch secretary to discuss your interest.

Get In Touch With a Branch Delegate

Each year, the branch elects a variety of officers who serve yearly terms as Delegates to the union.  A Delegate is responsible for signing up new members and talking with you one on one, about what it means to join the IWW and to assist you in getting connected and staying connected with what is happening in our city, in the Pacific NW, around the nation and around the globe.  We can even try to pair you up with a Delegate who works in the same industry as you.  If you are interested in talking to a Delegate, contact our office by email or phone at (503) 231-5488.  If you are interested in learning more about the specific organizing we are doing currently in food services, visit Food and Retail Workers United.  If you are interested in the social service organizing happening in Portland, visit Social Services & Health Care Industrial Organizing.

Join a Committee

All committees are limited to current IWW members only

Currently the branch has an Education and Outreach Committee which organizes a variety of projects.  The projects of the committee vary from putting on regularly scheduled community events, working to distribute the union’s newspaper The Industrial Worker, collecting interviews from past members for a documentary history project, gathering survey information about our members interests and needs, just to name a few.  Contact the committee chair at pdxiww_edout@riseup.net or call our office at (503) 231-5488 to find out more.

The Fundraising Committee is a group of members who are organizing to assist the branch in building up funds and hold a variety of tabling and fundraising events throughout the year.  Contact the committee chair at portland.iww@gmail.com or call our office at (503) 231-5488 to find out more.

The Conflict Resolution Committee is a group of members who carry out the work of addressing conflict and offer mediation during times of turmoil.

  • If you are in need of child care in order to attend any IWW functions, please let us know!  Also let us know about any other accommodations that may be necessary for your participation!