What is Organizing?

Organizing is people coming together and to build the power needed to make real change in their lives. Through face-to-face conversations and coordinated campaigns, we create the collective strength to overcome obstacles and opposition.

In traditional union organizing, employees join together to improve their working conditions and win formal recognition from their employer. Musicians are not always classified as employees, so we often organize in more creative ways. Fair Trade Music is a great example of musicians using basic organizing principles to improve their lives, and to win better standards venue by venue, city by city.

Once an initial campaign succeeds, the next step is mobilizing to secure a good first contract. Union contracts are legally enforceable documents that are generally far more powerful  than individual contracts or personal service agreements. Organizing never stops. Building union strength in our workplaces and planning contract campaigns for expiring agreements is ongoing.

Why Organize

Musicians’ ability to earn a living is under more pressure than ever before. The music industry continues to reap huge profits while technological change reshapes how we work and how (or whether) we get paid.

We face substandard compensation for streaming, the outsourcing of live music, and growing pressure to play for tips, for free or even “pay to play” at some venues. Employers are consolidating their power. It’s time we consolidated ours.

Unity among musicians creates the power we need to achieve our goals.

Organizing is not Mystique, it’s Technique!

AFM’s organizing strategy relies on the direct leadership of musicians, working in partnership with labor and community organizations. While labor law exists to protect our right to organize, employers have become skilled at undermining these laws and our rights. Working with trained and experienced organizers dramatically improves your chances of success—sometimes against great odds. But most important for a successful campaign is a committed group of musicians willing to stand together.

Before launching a campaign, reach out to us. We’ll help you map out a winning strategy from the start. Contact us at organizing@afm.org to take the first step.

 

Six Stages of An Organizing Campaign

 

AFM’S NEW ORGANIZING DEPARTMENT:
An Investment in Your Campaign

In 2026, AFM demonstrated its commitment to organizing by funding the Organizing Department’s expansion to include professional organizers assigned across all our regions. Our new team is now in place; learn more about the organizers representing our commitment to each region below.

As we prepare to challenge an industry that is at great risk from offshoring, artificial intelligence, streaming, and precarious funding for all arts and entertainment, it is important to recognize that no single local union can go it alone. This new staff offers a wealth of tools for locals and working musicians to activate their collective power.