2026 Membership Blitzes get underway

Nearly 50 members from nine locals filled MAPE’s conference room, offices and hallways as they participated in the 2026 MAPE Membership Blitz on April 8. MAPE members reached out to non-members in 15 locals across the state.  

Although Region 21 Director David Freeman had participated in Local 2101’s Membership Blitzes, this was the first statewide blitz Freeman has joined. “We got a great training at the beginning and having us concentrated in the MAPE building keeps us coordinated on the task at hand. I communicated with 40 people and will continue conversations throughout the week. I’ve had a couple of very promising bites. Some people told me they were waiting until their positions became classified, so that’s an opportunity to connect again in the future. This is an ongoing effort,” Freeman said.  

He added, “I think we might be doing this quarterly in the future. We need to build up the muscle memory – it’s not something we can do only once a year.” 

Nearly 1,200 non-members were contacted earlier this month and asked about their thoughts on issues like negotiations and what they’re willing to fight for in the next round of bargaining. Organizers are continuing to make follow-up calls to complete their one-to-one outreach.    

This was the first time Minnesota Pollution Control Interim Meet and Confer Chair Cindy Osborn, Local 1042, participated in a Membership Blitz. "The blitz went really well. I was so afraid to do this, and it was way easier than I thought. The challenging ones are the most fun,” she said. 

Local 602 Membership Secretary Sanderia Davis spent her day reaching out to colleagues at the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. “We are focused on ensuring no one is homeless in Minnesota. I’m speaking with colleagues and, hopefully, future members on the impact of joining MAPE and how together, we can drive meaningful change,” Davis said.  

“We’re entering a momentous time for our union, united in our pursuit of a groundbreaking contract that delivers fair wages and a flexible remote work policy that works for everyone. It’s important to ensure that we are not responsible for health care cost increases. By boosting our membership percentages, we can secure a fair contract and create a brighter future for all,” she added. 

As Davis spoke on camera with a potential member, ”he signed up online right away, and as our conversation came to a close, I felt an overwhelming surge of excitement that had me dancing around the room,” she laughingly reported.    

Freeman and Davis said meeting other members involved at the blitz was a highlight for them. “Meeting new people focused on doing one thing with only one task – I think that is really powerful,” Freeman added.