2009 Latina/o Workers Leadership Institute

September 17-20, 2009 (PAST EVENT)

The Somerset Inn / Troy, Michigan

Registration fee: $470 (Tuition: $420, Meals: $50)

Workshops

02 Basic Union Skills

Instructors:

Gloria Capetillo, AFSCME Local 1585

Bobby Ramirez, UAW Local 600

Facilitator:

Jose Mireles, UAW Local 898

Experienced instructors will help you understand the basics of parliamentary procedure and the difference between a grievance and a complaint. You will learn how to conduct union business more effectively and become a more active participant. This is a great class for first-timers or for experienced activists who want to refresh their skills.

03 Cultural Diversity & Customs

Instructors:

Jerry Garcia, Michigan State University

Maria G. Starr, UAW Local 652 (Retired)

Facilitator:

Josefina Martinez, UAW Local 602 (Retired)

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. Immerse yourself in this workshop with Latino flavor and learn to turn culture into practical skills and tactics.

04 National Latino Media Agenda

Instructors:

Pete Vargas, SEIU

Maria Enriquez, UAW Local 6000

Facilitator:

Raul Arriaga Jr., UAW Local 892

So you think you know everything there is to know about media? Understand and use emerging technology and the Internet to reach the Latino community in the political and labor movements that the mainstream media doesn't reach. From blogs and independent news sites to social networks, it promises to be an informative and fun workshop that gives you the tools to add to your labor organizing arsenal.

05 Leadership Development

Instructors:

Jonathan Gonzalez, UAW Local 5

Theresa Martinez, UAW Local 892

Facilitator:

David Gonzalez, UAW Local 1796

Learn to get over the fear of public speaking and take on the mantle of leadership. Through use of skill-building exercises and ample opportunity to speak up and out, you are guaranteed to be a more effective presenter when you leave this class.

06 Power of Politics

Instructors:

Rose Quintana Klein, UAW Int'l (Retired)

Jose Martin Velazques, UAW Local 900

Facilitator:

Julie Zuzga, UAW Local 228

Learn political education and activism from the ground up. The electoral process has proven to be a key tool for the union movement but not the best solution to address Labor's issues. Learn effective tactics and how to choose allies to keep politicos accountable.

07 Organizing the Immigrant Community

Instructors:

Julio Cesar Guerrero, Labor Educator

Elena Herrada, Community Activist

Post-911 politics have created an adverse sentiment that affects the immigrant workers in the US. Mostly of Latin American origin, these workers provide cheap labor that unscrupulous employers abuse by depriving them of just wages and safe working conditions. Learn about the contributions of immigrants to the US economy, immigrants' legal rights, due process, and hos Latina/o workers and unions can organize to support their struggle.

1A Youth & Unions (ages 8-12)

Instructors:

Sarah Ramirez

Samantha Velazques

This popular workshop gives young people an introduction to the importance of unions and the historic contributions that Latina/o workers bring into the US Labor movement. There is a non-mandatory orientation Friday evening; the workshop runs Saturday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Cost is $50; this covers the workshop fee and Saturday lunch and breaks (no Saturday evening meal).

1B Youth & Unions (ages 13-18)

Instructor:

Erica Capetillo