LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION ACTION PROGRAM

WHY LEAP

History has taught us that if we forget our past, we are doomed to repeat it.  In the early 1900s, labor unions were busy organizing, but they had no real power until they discovered the power of the ballot box and became involved in the election of lawmakers and the formation of laws.  Several times throughout modern history, workers have forgotten that their ability to influence the legislative process is what permits them to share in the dreams and hopes of America.

During the past 20 years, more and more citizens have voluntarily surrendered their democratic rights by refusing to register and vote in elections that choose lawmakers at all levels of government.  History has begun to repeat itself.   Workers' political apathy and disgust with government is robbing them of their jobs, their benefits, and any hope for the next generation of workers.

It is no coincidence that workers have lost many of their former rights, paid higher taxes, and suffered reduced wages and benefits while corporate executive pay has radically increased and taxes have been reduced for the wealthy.   These ills are caused by workers' collective lack of commitment to the elective and legislative processes.  Recent elections suggest that trend is changing.  We must make sure that it does.

The Legislative Education-Action Program (LEAP) is committed to educating Boilermaker members, through lodge LEAP committees, on legislative and political issues that affect their jobs and job security.  Furthermore, lodge LEAP committees are encouraged to put forth a substatial effort to ensure that each lodge member is registered to vote and does in fact vote to elect candidates who will bring workers equitable rewards for their labor so they can share in the wealth of our nation.

Workers must work to elect - at every level of government - leadership who will strive to bring jobs back to the United States and fairness back to a government that has long ignored its own workers' needs.  We can accomplish these objectives in only one way - through the active, sustained involvement of each and every member and their families in the elective and legislative processes.

The future is in your hands.

Leap handbook