AFL-CIO Launches "LaborWeb" Program

Here's an email I got from the AFL-CIO announcing the launch of their LaborWeb program. They are starting trainings on the new platform. My understanding, though I could be wrong, is that this system was developed in house and is based on software developed by AFT. This has obvious implications for those interested in building websites for labor unions:

Dear Friends,

Click here: http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/YdzE5X71Mupf/

Sign up for LaborWeb training and demos today and get started with your new
LaborWeb website.

The AFL-CIO is excited to announce the launch of the LaborWeb website tool.

We are now running weekly training sessions to help state federations, central labor councils and area labor federations get started quickly with their new LaborWeb website.

To help get you started, the AFL-CIO will host weekly training via web-conference. You can RSVP for LaborWeb training here:

        Click here.

What is LaborWeb?

LaborWeb is a tool enabling nontechnical staff and volunteers to build easy-to-launch, easy-to-maintain websites for state federations and central labor councils, as well as local unions (distributed by their national unions). LaborWeb allows optional content feeds from parent organizations, so even unstaffed and understaffed organizations can have fresh, strategic website content.

* FAST: State and local organizations can build their own website in less than an hour.
* EASY: Take control of your content—no technical skills required to maintain website.
* FREE: The design, hosting, maintenance, training and upgrades are provided at no cost by the AFL-CIO.
* SUPPORT: Be part of a bigger program—training, list serves, syndicated content and more.
* FUN: Choose from a variety of templates; pick one that suits your needs.
* TIMELINE: Get started today!

Note About “Open Beta” Launch (March–August 2008)
In March, the AFL-CIO launched the live version of LaborWeb to state and local organizations. During the period from March to August, LaborWeb will be available in the “open beta” phase of production. This means that while the tool is available to state federations and central labor councils to begin building live websites, the AFL-CIO will continue to test and evaluate the software. During this phase of the program, the AFL-CIO will continue to make improvements and upgrades while also reviewing for bugs. This may on occasion include short periods of scheduled downtime while we add upgrades and make fixes to the tool. We will keep administrators in the loop on upgrades, bugs, downtime and other relevant information as the tool continues its final stage of beta development.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

In solidarity,

AFL-CIO LaborWeb Team

P.S. In addition to LaborWeb, many organizations would like to find out how they can get started with the AFL-CIO’s e-activists program. If you'd like information, please contact Chris Kenngott, AFL-CIO Online Mobilization Manager, at ckenngot@aflico.org .