The SMART I Got Your Back Campaign
Promoting solidarity and mentorship across our union
In 2021, SMART launched the I Got Your Back Campaign, which celebrates the many great mentors and allies in our membership and reinforces member solidarity throughout our great union. The campaign encouraged members to share an “I Got Your Back” sticker with those who have had their backs — whether on the jobsite, in the union hall or beyond — to show that they will have all members’ backs.
Three years later, in spring of 2024, SMART announced the expansion of the I Got Your Back Campaign — “Speak Up, Speak Out.” The expansion aimed to further reinforce a culture where members Speak Up, Speak Out when they see something wrong. Along with designating local “I Got Your Back” coordinators to provide localized support to members who need it, the campaign asked every member to do the following:
- If you witness a fellow member being bullied, harassed, discriminated against or mistreated on the job, please Speak Up, Speak Out.
- If you are being bullied, harassed, discriminated against or mistreated on the job, please Speak Up, Speak Out if you are comfortable doing so, or ask a trusted ally for help.
As the campaign continues, SMART encourages members to take advantage of I Got Your Back resources, including their local I Got Your Back coordinators (if necessary) and the Belonging and Excellence for All website, and to submit stories of the solidarity, mentorship and camaraderie that define our union.
Get involved:
- BE4ALL website: The Belonging and Excellence for All website houses information and resources pertaining to the BE4ALL effort, including Toolbox Talks, recorded Learning Journeys and webinars, progress updates and much more.
- BE4ALL Rapid Response Protocol: The Rapid Response Protocol is both a preventative and responsive protocol designed to help ensure our workplaces and our industry are free of discrimination, harassment, hazing and bullying.
- Rapid Response Protocol complaint form: If you experienced harassment, discrimination, hazing, bullying or other inappropriate behavior on the job or at a union event, you may submit a complaint through the Rapid Response website by filling out this form.
- Rapid Response Flow Charts: An incident of bias, harassment, discrimination, hazing, bullying or other misconduct occurs to you. What should you do? Find out by accessing the Rapid Response Flow Chart for sheet metal workers or the Rapid Response Flow Chart for apprentices.
As part of the I Got Your Back — Speak Up, Speak Out expansion in spring 2024, each SMART sheet metal local union appointed a designated “I Got Your Back” representative. This individual will act as a point of contact for members to report incidents of bias, discrimination, harassment, hazing or bullying. To find out who your local I Got Your Back representative is, please contact your local union.
We want to hear about a time when a fellow member (or members) had your back; solidarity at your local union; a mentor who helped you find your footing; and anything else you want to tell us. Click here to submit your “I Got Your Back” story.
What is the I Got Your Back Campaign?
The I Got Your Back Campaign was launched by SMART in 2021 to promote mentorship, solidarity and support among members. It emphasizes the importance of SMART members having each other’s backs, both on and off the jobsite. It also encourages members to show appreciation for those who had their back by presenting them with a SMART I Got Your Back sticker.
How do I use the I Got Your Back stickers?
SMART I Got Your Back stickers are a way for members to show support for and gratitude to members who had their back. Share I Got Your Back stickers with a member or members who have had your back, demonstrating their commitment to union solidarity, and use the sticker to let other members know that you have their backs, too. If you’re interested in obtaining stickers, please contact your local I Got Your Back representative.
How does the “Speak Up, Speak Out” expansion fit into the campaign?
The “Speak Up, Speak Out” expansion, announced in spring 2024, builds on the original Got Your Back campaign by encouraging members to speak up if they witness or experience bullying, harassment, discrimination or mistreatment. It aims to create a safer, more supportive environment within the unionized sheet metal industry. It also tasks local unions with appointing a local I Got Your Back representative.
What are I Got Your Back representatives?
Each local union has designated an I Got Your Back representative, who serves as a point of contact for members to report incidents of bias, discrimination, harassment, hazing or bullying.
How do I find out who my local I Got Your Back representative is?
You can find out who your local I Got Your Back representative is by contacting your local union.
What should I do if I witness or experience inappropriate behavior on the job?
Please Speak Up, Speak Out! If you witness or experience harassment, bullying or discrimination, you can report it to your local I Got Your Back representative or use the Rapid Response Protocol complaint form.
I witnessed or experienced discrimination, harassment, hazing, bullying, etc. What if I’m uncomfortable reporting an incident myself?
If you’re uncomfortable speaking up about an incident, you can ask a trusted ally or contact your local I Got Your Back representative to help you report the issue. You can also use the Rapid Response Protocol to submit a complaint anonymously.
What happens after I submit a Rapid Response Protocol complaint?
Once you submit a complaint through the Rapid Response Protocol, your local union will follow up to investigate the issue and ensure appropriate actions are taken to resolve the situation.
Is there a timeline for when I can expect a response after submitting a complaint?
While timelines may vary, SMART is committed to addressing all complaints promptly. Your local union will communicate with you to keep you informed of the process and any actions being taken.
How can I submit my own I Got Your Back story?
We encourage members to share their stories of solidarity, mentorship and camaraderie. You can submit your “I Got Your Back” story here.
Can I share my I Got Your Back story anonymously?
Yes, you can submit your I Got Your Back story anonymously if you prefer; simply note in your story that you would like to have your name removed if/when your story is shared publicly, or do not disclose your name in the story submission form (use “Anonymous”). Even if anonymous, sharing your story can help inspire others and strengthen the bond within the union.
What is the role of the BE4ALL initiative in the I Got Your Back Campaign?
The Belonging and Excellence for All (BE4ALL) initiative is closely aligned with the I Got Your Back Campaign. It provides additional resources, such as the BE4ALL website, which includes Toolbox Talks, recorded webinars, updates on efforts to create more inclusive and respectful workplaces, and much more.
What resources are available for members who want to get involved in BE4ALL and/or I Got Your Back?
Members can visit the BE4ALL website, which provides resources like Toolbox Talks, recorded Learning Journeys and the Rapid Response Protocol to address inappropriate behavior in the workplace. Members can also submit stories, post I Got Your Back stories on social media (please tag SMART) and fill out the I Got Your Back contact form to get in touch.
Where can I learn more about the campaign?
Return to this page for updates — including new I Got Your Back articles, resources and more — on the I Got Your Back campaign. You can also get in touch with your local I Got Your Back representative or use this contact form to get in touch with the campaign.
Who do I contact if I have questions or suggestions?
If you have questions, concerns or suggestions regarding the I Got Your Back Campaign, you can fill out the contact form available on this webpage.
If you have any questions, concerns, ideas or suggestions regarding the I Got Your Back Campaign — or if you just want to talk about the campaign in general — please use this form.
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