The Michigan School for Women Workers
The Michigan School for Women Workers invites all union and non-union workers and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing working people with a special focus on women's issues and leaders. We welcome participants from all genders and all cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
The Michigan School for Women Workers has been offering quality education since 1974. The 2024 conference marks our 50 year anniversary!
2024 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Registration for the Michigan School for Women Workers is officially open. Full conference info below. Register now!
Past Events
You can review the curriculums offered at past conferences below. As this is a long-standing conference, please note that not every year is represented. To see photos and video from past conferences, visit the Michigan School for Women Workers Facebook Page.
2024 Michigan School for Women Workers
Fifty Years of History, Sisterhood, & Progress!
WHEN: April 18-20, 2024 (Thursday - Saturday)
WHERE: Somerset Inn in Troy, MI
COST: $600 ($540 tuition, $60 meal fee)
2024 WORKSHOPS
Workshop 01: Effective Grievance Handling & Steward and Committeeperson Training
Workshop 02: Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Workshop 03: Parliamentary Procedure
Workshop 04: Women’s History, Rights and Legislation: From the Polls to your Purse
Workshop 05: Mental Health: Sisterhood, Work-life Balance and Handling Stress
Workshop 06: Women in the Trades: Empowering Women with her 2024 Tool Bag
Workshop 07: Finding Your Voice: Public Speaking
Workshop 08: Collective Bargaining and Contract Bargaining
Workshop 09: Print Media
Workshop 10: Financial Goal Setting 401 (advanced course)
Effective Grievance Handling & Steward and Committeeperson Training: Learn what qualifies as a grievance, how the process works, responsibilities of a grievance handler, and effective strategies for reaching positive outcomes for the membership.
Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: This workshop is a call to action promoting concerted efforts and solidarity to challenge biases, transform organizational cultures and provide opportunities for women to thrive and advance.
Parliamentary Procedure: Explore the ins and outs of parliamentary procedure. Learn the necessary rules of running an effective meeting and getting our voice heard.
Women’s History, Rights and Legislation: From the Polls to your Purse: Dive into the empowering journey of Women’s history and learn about the political strategies used to fight back and win. In this workshop, participants will review meaningful legislation and how it directly affects many aspects of life from work to women’s health.
Mental Health: Sisterhood, Work-Life Balance and Handling Stress: Discover practical strategies for building a supportive sisterhood to effectively handle stress and achieve a healthy work-life balance. Get empowered with insights and tools for mental health and wellbeing while managing life’s challenges on and off the job.
Women in the Trades: Empowering Women with Her 2024 Tool Bag: Get the information and motivation you need to make it in the Trades. Receive instruction and guidance from knowledgeable and experienced tradeswomen in a supportive environment.
Finding Your Voice: Public Speaking: Come and discover the art of public speaking! Develop confidence, effective communication skills to overcome stage fright and to lead!
Collective Bargaining and Contract Language: Come and explore the nuances of collective bargaining and contract language. Gain insight and understanding key words and contract elements. Learn skills to be an effective member of the bargaining team.
Print Media: This workshop will explore layout design to storytelling through print and social media. In this hands-on workshop, participants will work with experts to prepare a newsletter, post information on social media, interview activists, and more!
Financial Goal Setting 401: This is an advanced class which will dispel financial myths, provide strategies for a quality retirement and legacy planning. This course requires a prerequisite, Financial Planning 101.
REGISTRATION
COST is $600 ($540 tuition, $60 mandatory meal fee)
Please register and pay by April 11th, 2023. If we receive the full $600 payment by that date, you are eligible for the Express Lane—a shorter wait in line to check in. Mandatory meal payment covers 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts. Tuition assistance programs (TAP) cover tuition, but not meals. If using TAP, apply for $540 tuition. You or your union must include the $60 meal payment with your registration.
DATES AND TIMES
First check-in is Thursday, April 18th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. A welcome program that evening runs from 7 - 9 pm. There is a second check-in period from 7:30-9:00 am Friday, April 19th. Friday and Saturday programs begin at 9am and run until 5:00 pm.
PLACE
The Somerset Inn, 2601 W Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084.
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS
Call (800) 228-8769 or (248) 643-7800 to reserve a room at the Somerset Inn at $124 per night (Queen Bed) or $149 per night (King bed) plus taxes. Rooms are held at this rate until Thursday April 4th, 2023. Mention MSWW for these rates. Note hotel cancellation deadlines. You will be charged if you fail to cancel by the hotel’s deadline.
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
The last date to withdraw at no cost is Thursday, April 11th. To be valid, cancellations must be emailed to CLCS.info@umich.edu. Registrants who not cancel by the deadline or fail to attend owe full payment of $600.00.
SCHOLARSHIPS
A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Call to inquire or refer to the scholarship portion of our website.