Registration open for 2015 Union Womens Retreat

Registration is open for the 2015 Minnesota Union Women’s Retreat sponsored by the University of Minnesota Labor Education Service. Go here to register and get more information.

The deadline to register is March 20.

This year’s retreat runs from April 22-24 at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge in the Brainerd Lakes Area. It is part of a series of events designed to foster greater participation by women in their workplaces, unions and communities.

Under the theme “Moving Forward Together,” the retreat will provide the opportunity to analyze the challenges facing women in the labor movement and help them build the confidence and skills to address them. General session and workshop topics include paths to leadership, organizing, women’s issues across generations, labor history, building coalitions for bargaining, member engagement, addressing workplace bullying and bridging generation gaps.

Keynote speaker is Saru Jayaraman, co-founder of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United and author of “Behind the Kitchen Door,” who will share the experiences of women organizing to improve their lives across the country.

The Retreat is designed for working women, rank-and-file members, activists, staff and union officers. You do not need to be a union member to attend, but you should be interested in being active on workplace issues.

The cost to attend ranges from $500 to $563, depending on type of lodging, and includes the entire program, educational materials, lodging for two nights, all meals and breaks during the three days and sales and resort taxes. Free child care and Spanish/English interpretation also will be provided.

Most participants are sponsored and funded by their unions. Women of color, younger women and those from under-represented groups are particularly encouraged to attend. A limited number of scholarships will be offered.