OFFICIAL CIRCULAR No.837
PRINT AND ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS
ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 22, 2009
For a complete, printable copy of Official Circular No.837, click here.
Purpose: To update and bring into compliance Official Circular 807 and previous circulars concerning local, district, council and conference print and electronic publications.
Information/Instructions: For many years, the IAM has recognized that a printed newsletter is the only communications tool with the potential for reaching every dues-paying member. As a result, the IAM continues to promote the regular publication of a newsletter by every district lodge in the United States and Canada. The publication of local lodge newsletters is also strongly encouraged, if approved by th eExecutive Board of the local lodge. It is also essential that we take advantage of increasingly sophisticated digital technology;. The Internet and other forms of digital media offer ways to communicate that reach farther, faster and omre interactively than print, and increasing numbers of our members regularly turn to on-line sources for information and discussion. In our commitment to remaining on the forefront of member communications and education, the following guidelines and policies must be observed to ensure the effective and proper use of these essential communication tools.
- The content
of any publication – print or electronic – that bears the seal of the
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is the responsibility
of the Executive Board of the local, district, council or conference for which
it is published. Just as the editors and web stewards of Grand Lodge
publications must adhere to the rules and restrictions placed on them by the
IAM’s Constitution and policies, editors for districts, locals, councils or
conferences are responsible for ensuring that their publications and websites
conform not only to Grand Lodge policy, but also to the bylaws and other
policies of their local organization.
- Our Union
has learned through unfortunate experience that publication control is
difficult if not impossible when the writing, editing, and/or production of
print or electronic publications is contracted out to promoters, advertising
agencies or public relations firms. For that reason, districts, locals,
councils and conferences should keep these critical duties “in-house” and
maintain full supervision over all editorial and website functions.
- Local,
district, council or conference publications and websites should not support or
oppose the candidacy of any member in an internal IAM election. While this does not mean that a publication
or website cannot report to the membership on the activities of the lodge’s
officers and committees, great care must be taken to ensure that these reports
cannot be read to favor one candidate over another in a union election.
- The editor,
editorial committee or web steward of a local, district, council or conference
publication should be appointed by the officers or Executive Board. The position of editor or web steward should
not be an elected position.
- The
development of an official website by a lodge is strongly encouraged, as well
as issue-specific websites and other uses of digital media as appropriate to
our message. Any local, district,
council or conference official website or other digital media use should adhere
to the same policies as written publications in terms of selection of a person
responsible for editing and managing the information. Additionally, all Internet use and digital
media should adhere to the Grand Lodge Policy Letter on Creating and
Maintaining IAM Websites and Other Internet Use, dated September 22, 2009.
Fraternally,
Warren L. Mart R. Thomas Buffenbarger
General Secretary-Treasurer International President
