Applications open for Minnesota Union Leadership Program

Through six in-depth sessions scheduled over nine months, participants study the labor movement and discuss how to address the challenges facing unions today.

This program provides the opportunity for emerging and established union leaders to build relationships and network with others. It draws on the diversity of the labor movement and uses a participatory approach to learn from other’s experiences. Participants include union activists, workplace stewards, elected officers and staff.

Training is coordinated and led by Labor Education Service staff and draws on experienced and talented speakers from the labor movement and allies in the community.

The program is non-credit, but each participant receives a leadership certificate upon successful completion.

The first two sessions will be held Sept. 25-27 at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge near Brainerd. Subsequent sessions will be held on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. Tuition is $1,250 and includes lodging for two nights and all meals at Ruttger’s, lunch and snacks for the on-campus sessions and all materials and program instruction for the year.

This program reflects a significant commitment for both the participant and her/his union. Participants are expected to attend all six sessions and must attend a minimum of five sessions in order to successfully complete the program and earn a certificate. Unions must fill out a statement of support, acknowledging the time and commitment involved for the participant to attend and agreeing to fund the participant’s tuition.

Enrollment will be limited to 30 people to ensure a high-quality educational experience. Deadline to apply is May 31.

For a brochure and application materials, call 612-624-5020, or download them from the LES website.

The Minnesota Union Leadership Program is offered by the Labor Education Service in cooperation with the Minnesota AFL-CIO.