Letter from Guy Smith, President, AUPE

Dear Sisters, Brothers and Fellow Union Activists:

Re: Letter of Recommendation for Converso

I am writing you this letter in support of Converso’s virtual town halls, which have revolutionized the way we at the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) communicate and engage with our members.

AUPE is the largest and most diverse union in western Canada with 95,000 members working front lines in all areas of public services and some private health care.

Building an active, informed and engaged membership is a constant challenge in our ongoing work to achieve the solidarity and action required in defending jobs, public services, workers’ rights, and working conditions.

Converso’s virtual town hall meetings have been fundamental in helping us reach these goals and building our success to activate our members. During the virtual town halls members listen in, ask questions, and vote on “quick polls”. This creates an interactive and responsive experience for all participants and those hosting the event. Furthermore, the ability to share crucial messaging and important or urgent information with so many members at once is elemental to the success of the Converso virtual town halls, and an essential tool.

As AUPE President I have hosted numerous Converso virtual town halls, and I can honestly say that I have never experienced a more effective, productive and straightforward way to communicate with, hear from, and get crucial input from, thousands of members at the same time. Our members tell us that they like the fact that they can hear up to date information, can ask direct questions of their elected leaders and other experts, and vote on important issues to them.

We have had the good fortune of working many times with Converso since 2017 and it has been a pleasure. They are truly interested in knowing us as a Union and tailoring their services to meet our needs in a professional and efficient manner.

I highly recommend Converso and their virtual town halls as a positive, cost effective and powerful tool in the work and effort we all share as trade unionists to help workers find and enhance their collective voice, their strength and their solidarity, and to increase their pride and passion for their Union.

Sincerely and in solidarity,

Guy Smith
President – Alberta Union of Provincial Employees