2007 Latina/o Workers Leadership Institute

April 19 - 22, 2007 (PAST EVENT)

Marriott at Eagle Crest Hotel / Ypsilanti, Michigan

Registration fee: $450 (Tuition: $400, Meals: $50)

Workshops

01A Youth & Unions Ages 8-12

Instructors:

Willie Paulsen, MSU-CTU

Ozzie Rivera,Madonna University

This popular workshop gives young people ( 8-18) an introduction to the importance of unions and the historic contributions that Latina/o workers bring into the US Labor Movement. The workshop begins Friday evening and concludes Saturday at 4:30 pm. Cost is $60 per student; each family's additional child is at a discounted rate of $30 each. This fee covers the workshop, Saturday breakfast & lunch, & Sunday breakfast. If you are interested in purchasing Saturday evening dinner tickets, add $30 per ticket per student.

01B Youth & Unions Ages 13-18

Instructors:

Josefina Martinez, UAW Local 602

Ozzie Rivera, Madonna University

02 Keeping the UNION Alive

Instructors:

Anna Montalvo, AFSCME Local 1522

Roy Rodriguez, UAW Local 383

Facilitator:

Gloria Moya, UAW International

The breakup of the AFL-CIO, the changing structural and economic conditions of the 1980s and 1990s heralding a shift to service industry employment--where unions traditionally have been weaker--and management's inclination to outsource work claiming foreign and domestic competition are all symptoms of a decline of union power and a wakeup call for workers to activate and keep their unions alive. This is a hands-on workshop on the revitalization of your labor organization based on participants' experiences.

03 Making Sense of Politics

Instructors:

Pete Vargas, Consultant to Granholm Campaign

Henry Sanchez, MI Hispanic Speaking Commission

Facilitator:

Mike Huerta, UAW Local 602

Political education and activism from the ground up. The electoral process has proven to be a key tool for the union movement but not entirely the best solution to address the labor's issues. The relationship of unions to one political party seems to narrow labor's political perspective when choosing allies and effective tactics to keep politicos accountable.

04 The 3 L's of Communication & Leadership Skills

Instructors:

Julie Alvarado Zuzga, UAW Local 400

Pete Pena, UAW Local 276

Facilitator:

Jonathan Gonzales, UAW Local 5

Learn to Listen before you Lead. Organizations can be more effective if they understand the type of leadership they need at a given point in time; different styles of leadership are effective under different circumstances. Clear communication between the leaders and the membership is key. This workshop explores different types of motivating your membership through education and effective communication.

05 Latinas in Leadership

Instructors:

Marti Rodriguez Harris, UWUA Local 132

Theresa Martinez, UAW Local 892

Facilitator:

Diana Serrano, UAW Local 900

Comadres, sisters, daughters and mothers of the Movimiento leading the way. Chicana/Latina workers make up a sizable percentage of the hospitality, food processing, service, home care and garment occupational fields. Their participation in leadership development has been of special importance based on their unique position in the community, family and grassroots organizations. This workshop is filled with anecdotal skills development and personal experiences by union sisters who make history while performing their daily work.

06 Latina/o Culture

Instructors:

Ana Cardona, Michigan Dept. of Education

Jerry Garcia, MSU History Dept.

Facilitator:

Alex Robles, UWUA Local 132

35 million people can't be wrong. Cultural identity is an integral part of every movement. The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s is a great example of what people can do once they know their roots. Come and immerse yourself in this workshop with Latino flavor and learn to turn culture into practical skills and tactics.