2022 Black Men in Unions Institute

Reaching Back, Moving Forward – BMIU Still Standing Strong 

BMIU is full!

It is official. Black Men in Unions 2022 is full! Any registrations received are now being put on a waiting list in the order received. Those already registered have until February 10th to cancel if they have had a change of plans -- and thus open up slots for the waiting list.  There will also be ten wonderful workshops coming at this years School for Women Workers in April. 

February 17-20, Somerset Inn, Troy Michigan

The Black Men in Unions Institute invites all workers, union or non-union, and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing working persons. We welcome participants from all genders and all cultural or ethnic backgrounds. 

For general use: Download Brochure in pdf

For social media posting: Download Brochure front in jpg.  Back page in jpg. 

For posting on walls, bulletin boards, etc: Download 8.5"x11" Poster in jpg. 

Draft Conference Agenda Download Here

WORKSHOPS

1. YOUTH & UNIONS. It is never too early to learn about solidarity!  For age 8 years and up, meets Saturday only.  Cost $50 per student.

2. ELECTRONIC AND PRINT MEDIA. Learn how to use the tools of social & print media to build membership unity.

3. DIVERSITY & CIVIL RIGHTS. We are a strong nation because we are diverse. Learn how that truism can be used to build stronger bonds with our brothers and sisters at work.

4. EMPLOYMENT LAW & FMLA. Map the landscape of work-place rights with a focus on understanding and utilizing the Family Medical Leave Act.

5. RETIREMENT PLANNING. We all dream of quitting the grind and enjoying retirement. Here are the steps for achieving a comfortable retirement.

6. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. Point of Order? Privileged Motion? Come learn the basics of parliamentary procedure and how to shape the outcome of union meetings.

7. MALE-FEMALE RELATIONSHIPS. Learn how to identify and address gender discrimination and harassment. How should we talk and relate to other genders? Let's discuss.

8. GRIEVANCE HANDLING. Unions bring due process to the workplace through the grievance system. Learn how to decide if a grievance has merit, and how to respond. Bring your union contract!  

9. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT. Our communities matter.  What can be done at the local level about global labor issues? Plenty. Get involved.

10. WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND ACTIONS. Activism is on the rise! Learn how and where it happens, and how to participate.

11. POWER OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN IN LABOR HISTORY. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you are going. Come celebrate the work of our past heroes and trailblazers of today.

Registration Information

Link to Online Registration Page

REGISTRATION: cost is $640 ($560 tuition, $80 mandatory meal fee)   Please register and pay by February 3, 2022. If we receive the full $640 payment by that date, you are eligible for the Express Lane—a shorter wait at check in. The mandatory meal payment includes 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches; evening meals are on your own. Tuition Assistance Programs (TAPs) cover the tuition cost, but not meals. If using TAP, apply for $560 tuition; you or your workplace must include the $80 meal payment with your registration.

TIME AND DATES: Check-in is Thursday, February 17, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Welcome Session is 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A second check in is 7:30am to 9:00am Friday, February 18. Workshops run 8:00am to 5:00pm Friday & Saturday, with breakfast and graduation on Sunday. We adjourn at approximately noon on Sunday the 20th.

EVENT LOCATION: The Somerset Inn, 2601 W Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084.

HOTEL ROOMS :  Call (800) 228-8769 or (248) 643-7800 to reserve a room at the Somerset Inn at $114 per night (Queen bed) or $144 per night (King bed) plus taxes.  Rooms are held at this rate until February 3.  Mention BMIU for these rates. Note hotel cancellation deadlines. You will be charged if you fail to cancel by the hotel’s deadline.

CANCELLATION/REFUND : The last date to cancel the event at no cost is Thursday, February 10. To be valid, cancellations must be called in to CLCS at 313-583-6400. Registrants who do not cancel by the deadline or No-Show owe full payment of $640.00.

LIMITED NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: Download the information and application below.