Training and Education
Local 1000’s training and leadership initiatives aim to empower stewards to effectively represent members, advocate for their rights, and build a strong union by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate workplace issues and lead their colleagues. Training helps stewards develop leadership skills, including communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution, enabling them to lead their colleagues and build a strong union presence. We believe in the mantra of “agitate, educate, organize,” encouraging all of our members to use education and organizing as a tool to build power in our union and in their personal lives. We do this through monthly enrichment courses, introductory training programs for new developing stewards, and our online training module.
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Monthly Steward Courses:
Local 1000’s vision for the 2025 Steward Training Curriculum is to build an unstoppable force of empowered union stewards who embody leadership, resilience, and solidarity. Monthly Courses are on Zoom from 6-8PM on the dates below. You may RSVP for the course when you see the reminder and course description sent to your email or by clicking on the available course below:
Monthly Training Courses (below)
| April 17: Meeting Link |
Adverse Actions Part 1, Meeting with Members and Preparing Your Case This two-part training will equip stewards with tools needed to advocate for members who are served with adverse actions. Here, stewards will understand the legal foundation of and background of employee rights, the stewards’ role in handling adverse actions, and effective communication strategies to support the member in need. By emphasizing the importance of trust building and honestly at this step, stewards can better prepare their members for the case ahead, and keep themselves organized in the process. RSVP Here |
| May 15: Meeting Link |
Adverse Actions Part 2, The Skelly Hearing: This training will follow the previous discussion on adverse actions by focusing on the Skelly Hearings, offering tools and strategies to be prepared, organized, and confident during their experience. Stewards will discuss argument preparation, understanding and articulating evidence, and preparing their members to exercise their rights. RSVP Here |
| June 19: | COPE: Building Our Union’s Political Narrative. This course focus on transforming public perceptions of public service workers by encouraging them to take ownership of their narratives. Participants will explore how their voices and stories can influence contract negotiations, legislation, and political decisions that impact their lives and work. By empowering themselves to advocate for their roles, stewards will be better equipped to engage in the political process and drive meaningful change in their communities. |
| July 17: | Empowered Sick Leave Advocacy: The purpose of this training is to equip union stewards with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for members’ sick leave needs while fostering a culture of wellness and respect. By understanding the MOU provisions related to sick leave and embracing a holistic approach to health, stewards will be better prepared to support members during challenging times. Stewards will understand the importance of meeting members during an evidently vulnerable time where union support is really needed. |
| August 21 | Communicating Union Wins and Losses: This training is designed to equip union stewards with the skills to effectively communicate the outcomes of grievances (both successful and unsuccessful) to their members. By analyzing the lessons learned from each grievance, participants will learn how to frame these conversations in a way that empowers members and fosters collective action, ultimately strengthening the union’s power and solidarity. |
| September 18: | Mobilizing Members for Action This training is designed to empower stewards to effectively organize around key issues at the work site. Stewards will learn to recognize site specific priorities, understand the foundational elements of a successful workplace campaign, and engagement. Through practical tips, strategies and collaborative discussions, stewards will be equipped with tools they need to mobilize their members and drive meaningful action. |
| October 16: | Digital Organizing: Leveraging Technology for Collective Action: This course teaches union stewards how to effectively use digital tools and social media to organize and mobilize members, especially in a post-COVID world where virtual engagement has become essential.This training elevates former discussions of workplace mapping and charting, and will emphasize how workplace organizing is successful in any era with the right tools and resources. |
| November 20: | Dignity in Dialogue: Leading Against Workplace Bullying : Through a thorough examination of contract language and grievance procedures, this training aims to equip stewards with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, respond to, and address instances of bullying and harassment in the workplace. By learning how to navigate difficult conversations and advocate for respectful workplaces, stewards will be better prepared to organize and mobilize actions that promote work rights and well-being. |
| December 18: | Mobilizing Members for Action This training is designed to empower stewards to effectively organize around key issues at the work site. Stewards will learn to recognize site specific priorities, understand the foundational elements of a successful workplace campaign, and engagement. Through practical tips, strategies and collaborative discussions, stewards will be equipped with tools they need to mobilize their members and drive meaningful action. This session will be conducted by members (recently certified stewards, Organizers Intensive participants, etc.) |