Smaller affiliates are the beating heart of the Ontario Federation of Labour. They bring innovation, agility, and deep community roots — but too often, their voices aren’t fully heard in decision-making and strategy.
As Vice-President for Smaller Affiliates, my vision is simple: to build connection, transparency, and collective power. Every affiliate — no matter its size — deserves access to information, input into strategy, and representation that counts.
Check out our demo online portal for OFL document sharing. The portal will be a password-protected, secure location for non-confidential OFL Board materials.
We know there is enormous untapped energy among the OFL’s smaller affiliates. I want to unlock it — by making it easier to share ideas, coordinate efforts, and ensure that the perspectives of smaller affiliates shape the direction of our movement.
Representation — Bringing Smaller Affiliates to the Table
- Strengthen the voice of smaller affiliates at the OFL Board table through structured consultation and formal reporting.
- Launch an Annual Smaller Affiliates Roundtable to identify collective priorities, share success stories, and develop joint strategies.
- Establish a Smaller Affiliates Advisory Network to provide ongoing input to the OFL Executive Board between conventions.
Communication — Connecting and Empowering Affiliates
- Develop a password-protected, secure online portal for smaller affiliates to access non-confidential OFL Board materials and key documents — and to share their own priorities easily.
- Create a quarterly virtual meeting series where smaller affiliates can exchange ideas, resources, and updates.
- Promote two-way communication — not just sending information out, but creating accessible pathways for affiliates to influence OFL work.
Transparency — Opening Doors and Building Trust
- Publish a Smaller Affiliates Annual Progress Report outlining representation, participation, and tangible outcomes.
- Ensure all affiliates have equal access to OFL materials, updates, and decisions through centralized digital tools.
- Encourage open dialogue by creating feedback loops between smaller affiliates, OFL leadership, and committees.
- Share regular updates on progress made toward smaller affiliates’ strategic priorities.
Strategy — Strengthening Capacity and Influence
- Advocate for support from OFL staff and resources to support smaller affiliates with organizing, training, and communications.
- Collect and publish data on smaller affiliate engagement to track progress and advocate for fair resource allocation.
Equity and Inclusion — Ensuring Every Voice Is Heard
- Integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into all smaller affiliate initiatives.
- Highlight the unique challenges faced by smaller affiliates representing women, young professionals, racialized, and precarious workers.
- Partner with OFL’s equity committees to extend their programs and supports to smaller affiliates.
Long-Term Vision
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Phase 1: Connect and Empower (Year 0.5)
- Launch digital portal and quarterly meetings.
- Hold first Smaller Affiliates Roundtable.
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Phase 2: Integrate and Influence (Year 1-1.5)
- Establish data-driven reporting and accountability mechanisms.
- Build mentorship partnerships with larger affiliates.
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Phase 3: Sustain and Strengthen (Year 1.5+)
- Institutionalize structures to ensure continued transparency, communication, and shared representation.
- Ensure the voice of smaller affiliates remains integral to OFL’s governance and strategy.
In Closing
At the Society of United Professionals, we’ve worked hard to connect and support Ontario’s smaller affiliated unions — but we’ve heard clearly that more needs to be done. Smaller affiliates deserve a strong, informed, and proactive voice at the OFL Board table.
As your Vice-President for Smaller Affiliates, I will bring representation, communication, and transparency to the forefront. Together, we’ll make sure that smaller affiliates aren’t just part of the conversation — they’re shaping it.
