The first episode in the third series of the Organising For A Change podcast is preoccupied with targeting – or in other words a model of strategic choice for union builders.

Because two things seem to be universally true; First, activity is frequently measured on process (how many leaflets handed out, how many social media hits), rather than outcome (how many members signed up).

And second, if your AIM is true, then you will hit the target.

But this AIM is different from most – we use it as an acronym for Access, Issues and Momentum. And this AIM is a model for setting effective, appropriate realisable targets to support the union building process.

Listen to hear what that means in practice!

As ever, our discussion is calm, measured and derived from a combined 80 years of union activism. Where we disagree, we do so amicably. But there’s no getting away from the importance or relevance of this debate.

We’re grateful to have the support of Thompsons, the leading trade union and social justice law firm, The General Federation of Trade Unions - delivering trade union education, building solidarity and the home of StrikeMap, Pellacraft, award winning and trusted supplier of promotional goods, and Battersea and Wandsworth Trade Union Council. Thank you all.

Episode run time 26m24s. Organising For A Change is presented by Martin Smith and Simon Sapper. Music is by Scott Holmes. It is a Makes-You-Think production. Contact the show at orgainsing@makes-you-think.com. This episode was first published on 17 January 2025. Next episode drops 31 January.