Building alliances on campus and in your community

Form networks with other campus unions and student groups early to lay the groundwork for collaboration when the writ drops. Students are key allies and profoundly affected by cuts to OSAP and the COVID-19 pandemic. Relationships and reciprocity form the bonds of solidarity. If your campus does not have a campus coalition, it is time to start one.

Important campus communities

• Students
• Staff
• Other campus unions
• Parents

Important local communities

• Local labour council and other unions in your community
• Worker advocacy groups
• Social justice groups;
• Elected representatives at the municipal, regional, and federal levels
• Local media

Maintain visibility and assign members to attend public meetings on campus to offer greetings and support from the faculty association and members.

Alliances are strongest when they are reciprocal. Some allies will help and lend support because they believe it is the right thing to do. However, you are more likely to get support and build strong relationships when you are able to align your goals with those of your allies. Working together and supporting each other is the only way to create the change that you both desire. This is especially true when you are trying to gain the support of students, parents, and the public.