If I was to give advice to anyone wanting to become a steward, I would have them go to multiple general membership (kraft) meetings before making any decision. Understanding how your local works, where they spend your money and how they support each building is key. When listening, pay attention to the Business Agents reports. How often are they in each barn, are they visiting each shift and are they addressing issues in a timely fashion. In our local the BA's make between $115,000 and $135,000 per year. I work in the 4th largest barn in the local and only see our BA when the local wants something ie votes or monies. I've had grievances collect dust for more than a year before being heard at a local level. Pay attention to the financial reports and understand why and how much your local spends. Have your paid organizers made any contacts and held any rallies to strengthen the membership in your local or increase your membership overall? Your local is an elected slate much like our government. They are paid from your dues and are sworn to put it's members needs before their own. Much like our government officials they are constantly running for office, highlighting only the positive and burying the negative. Reach out to other stewards in other barns and ask the hard questions. Being a steward is a thankless job, but rewarding when connecting the rank and file with the elected board and BA's. Knowledge is power!
