This OIP (Organize Indiana Project) site is a civic engagement initiative of the IU Division of Labor Studies at the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis.

OIP recently has produced a labor union handbook that provides easy-to-use reference materials that puts information ranging from descriptions of state and federal agencies, to state legislative district maps, to how to write a press release and contact the media, to Spanish words commonly used in the workplace, at your fingertips.

The handbook is centered on working Hoosiers, said OIP coordinator David Williams, who compiled the work. One section is devoted to union resources, including listings for the AFL-CIO and its affiliates, the Indiana Building Trades Councils and the Central Labor Councils. It also lists labor law firms, scholarships related to workers, union printers, labor publications and labor education programs.

Want information about how to request information from a state or federal agency? It's in the handbook. Ever wonder if there is a federal agency that you could call and ask for help in getting a question or problem resolved? Turn to page 93 for information about the Federal Citizen Information Center.

Other sections of the handbook deal with public records, public relations, legislative guide, the National Labor Relations Board and certain state and federal laws. For more information about the handbook or to order a copy, telephone Williams at 317-274-2518. Cost is $12.