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.
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.
A Journey Through Women’s History and Rights: explore the rich history of women workers highlighting their struggles, triumphs and contributions to the workplace and society. Participants will delve into the evolution of women’s roles in the workplace, examining pivotal moments in women’s labor history and the fight for equal rights.
Mastering Collective Bargaining and Contract Language: gain skills to interpret contract language and gain a greater understanding of collective bargaining process. Participants will explore the fundamentals of negotiation and strategies for achieving the best possible collective bargaining agreement for their membership.
Advocating Effectively for Members through Grievance Handling: examine the critical responsibilities of stewards/committeepersons including effective grievance handling, productive interpersonal communication skills, techniques for resolving conflicts and how to organize around grievances to build union solidarity in the workplace.
Media Advocacy & Impact: Explore effective media strategies essential for raising awareness and driving change. Participants will learn to leverage traditional and digital media to amplify their message, build public support, and advocate for issues that affect worker and their Unions.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Building Sisterhood for Empowerment and Progress: delve into strategies to overcome barriers by fostering solidarity among women in the workplace and community. Participants will explore ways to advance in their careers and create supportive networks that uplift and inspire.
S.W.O.T. Analysis for Success: Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats: S.W.O.T is a great tool used in planning and decision making. Participants will learn how to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to apply this to personal goals or to create organizational change.
Union Basics: Building Strength through Solidarity: Learn about the foundational principle of unionism. This workshop explores how solidarity and collective action creates stronger workplaces and communities, and ways you can get involved.
She Should Run: Finding Your Voice, Public Speaking: enhance your public speaking skills to speak clearly and convincingly at a Union or community meeting, talking to the press or making a pitch for getting elected. Participants acquire the tools and techniques to build confidence and deliver messages impactfully.
Minding Mental Health: Creating Awareness and Support in the Workplace: Mental Health is a topic that many do not want to talk about. This workshop will help start the conversation to create awareness as well as promote mental health and a supportive work environment.
Women in the Trades: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: Encourage and empower women to take the leap into skilled trades. Learn what you need to do to move into these high paying jobs, or help others to take the leap!
COST is $640 ($560 tuition, $80 mandatory meal fee)
Please register and pay by April 17th. If we receive the full $640 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 $560 tuition. You or your union must include the $80 meal payment with your registration.
First check-in is Thursday, April 24th 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 25th. Friday and Saturday programs begin at 9am and run until 5:00 pm.
The Somerset Inn, 2601 W Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084.
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 17th. Mention MSWW for these rates. Note hotel cancellation deadlines. You will be charged if you fail to cancel by the hotel’s deadline.
The last date to withdraw at no cost is Thursday, April 17th. 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 $640.00.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Call to inquire or refer to the scholarship portion of our website.
