Let’s be honest, you may not agree with everything Napo does. But here’s the thing: Napo is a democratic, member-led organisation. And if you think something needs challenging? Step up and challenge it.
Every year at AGM, motions are debated, defended, opposed, amended, or thrown out altogether. It’s how we operate, and it’s how we keep our union accountable to the members it represents.
So, if a policy doesn’t sit right with you, or if you think we’ve missed something big – there are built-in ways to push for change.
Disagreeing isn’t disloyal
Having a strong union doesn’t mean always falling in line. It means being able to speak up without fear. In fact, some of Napo’s most important shifts have come because members spoke out. Whether that was pushing for a more radical stance on climate change or calling for action on the resources available for the union to function effectively.
Last year, a motion calling for the NEC to urgently review the current mileage expense rates with a view to adequately reimbursing our reps was proposed and carried. That didn’t come from the top. It came from members.
Want to overturn a policy? You can.
If there’s a current Napo policy you don’t support, you can:
- Submit a motion to review it at AGM
- Debate it on the floor and technically you vote in favour of the proposed amended motion
- Rally support from your branch or network to bring it forward as a priority
And just like any other motion, if it passes it becomes the new line.
Not everything waits for AGM
Don’t forget, branches can take motions straight to the NEC between AGMs too – especially if something’s time-sensitive or urgent. If you feel a policy /position needs challenging now, speak to your branch about raising it with the NEC.
Healthy disagreement builds a stronger union
Disagreement is not disruption it’s democracy. But we do expect it to be respectful. This is especially important when we’re dealing with issues of race, gender, identity, or lived experience. Debate should challenge ideas – not people.
The best debates at AGM are the ones that make people think, shift positions, and lead to stronger policies. Not because everyone agrees, but because everyone has their say.
This month, you could:
- Re-read current Napo policies – what still stands up, and what doesn’t?
- Join a network meeting and raise your concerns
- Speak to your branch about submitting a motion to revise a policy
- Think about what kind of union you want Napo to be and help build it
