OIP Project - Resources for Union Organizing
T-1 Program Frequently Asked Questions:
 
Why was the T-1 Program developed?
To standardize and simplify database management for union organizing campaigns. Instead of creating individual databases for each campaign, organizers can maintain all of their campaigns and related data in the T-1 Program.
 
Do I have to have Microsoft Access on my computer to run the T-1?
Yes. The T-1 is built on the Microsoft Access database program. If you do not have Access on your computer you cannot run the T-1 program.
 
Can I query the information in the T-1 database?
Yes. The T-1 has a very advanced query section which can pinpoint very specific information. The queries take only seconds and the results may be viewed on-screen or they may be output to Microsoft Word.
 
Are there training classes available for the T-1 Program?
Yes. To schedule a class for your union or your group of organizers, please contact David Williams.
 
Okay, if I schedule training classes, how much will they cost?
The classes are free.
 
Who designed the T-1 Program?
The T-1 was built and designed by the Organize Indiana Project at the Division of Labor Studies at Indiana University, but with continuous input from actual union organizers from a variety of unions in a variety of industries.
 
Can the T-1 Program be used for other types of tracking like political races?
The T-1 was specifically designed for union organizing campaigns, but it's possible that it could be used to track other types of information
 
Is there any limit to the number of campaigns, workers, employers, or managers that I can maintain in the T-1 Program?
No. The only thing that will limit the amount of information that may be maintained in the T-1 Program is the size of your computer's hard drive.
 
How much does the T-1 Program cost?
The T-1 Program is free.
 
Can I share information from my T-1 Program with a T-1 Program on another organizer's computer?
No, not at this time. The T-1 does not have the ability to import or export data from other T-1 Programs. This feature is slated for the T-2 Program.
 
Does the T-1 Program have networking capabilities?
No, not at this time. Once again, this is a feature slated to be offered in the T-2 version.
 
Can I import data from another database or spreadsheet into the T-1 Program?
No, not at this time. The T-1 does not have the ability to import or export data from other T-1 Programs. This feature is slated for the T-2 Program.
 
Can I maintain image files in the T-1 Program?
No, not at this time. This feature will be available in the T-2 Program.
 
Can I really prepare hundreds of mailing labels with a single click?
Yes. The T-1 does allow you to prepare pre-formatted mailing labels for any number addresses in the database with a single click.
 
Why is the T-1 Program different than previous organizer campaign management programs?

There are several reasons:

  • There are 34 tables of data maintained in the T-1 and all of that data is inter-related.
  • The T-1 has a very advanced query function which allows the organizer to pinpoint the exact information that he/she needs within seconds.
  • The T-1 allows the organizer to associate workers and managers with multiple employers and employers with multiple campaigns. This is especially useful in industries in which organizing campaigns may involve multiple employers or in campaigns that involve workers that change jobs often.
 
What if I have problems using the T-1 Program?

There are several technical support options available:

  • You can check the T-1 User Manual (it may be downloaded from the OIP web site at www.oiphome.org.
  • You can post questions on the T-1 Discussion Forum located on the OIP web site (www.oiphome.org).
  • You can call David Williams at 800-822-4743 or email him at dawilli1@iupui.edu.
  • You can ask your Union or local Central Labor Council to sponsor a class on the T-1 Program. The classes are free.
 
I've added a lot of Worker Profiles and I've associated them with an employer, but they don't show up in the Campaign Profile section. What's wrong?
You also have to associate the employer(s) with a Campaign Profile. Once you do this they should show up in the Campaign Profile section.