UWUA Leadership Conference: Igniting the Future of Union Power!

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me tell you, the UWUA Leadership Conference was a game-changer! This event was not just about learning; it was about igniting a fire within every participant to take their local unions to the next level. The energy was electric, and the insights were invaluable. Let’s dive into what made this conference a must-attend event for anyone serious about union leadership.

First off, the commitment from the UWUA National leadership was truly inspiring. Their energy and dedication to educating our members, growing our membership, and involving and empowering our younger members to become the future of the UWUA — that’s the message I’m bringing back to our Local 600 membership. David Loerich from Local 600 couldn’t have said it better. The National leadership’s passion is contagious, and it’s clear that they are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more united union.

But it’s not just about the big picture. The conference was packed with practical, hands-on training that you can apply right away. Kaela Osborne from Local 430 shared her experience: “Attending the Leadership Conference gave me and my fellow officers the opportunity to bring back valuable information and training to benefit our local. We carried home many ideas and conversations about wall-to-wall organizing to help strengthen our numbers.” This is exactly what we need — actionable insights that can be implemented immediately to make a real difference.

The training sessions covered everything from financial guidelines to contract negotiations. Curtis Reardon II from Local 18007 highlighted the camaraderie and the wealth of knowledge shared: “Everyone had a smile and was so welcoming. The wealth of knowledge shared on everything, from financial matters to organizing and helping members with day-to-day issues, was incredible.” This kind of support and knowledge-sharing is what will take our unions to the next level.

Philip Spalding from Local 118 echoed this sentiment: “The financial training class, led by Mike Coleman, was incredibly helpful in ensuring we handle our local’s finances correctly and addressed all the questions we had.” This kind of hands-on training is invaluable, and it’s clear that the UWUA is committed to providing the tools and resources needed to succeed.

But the conference wasn’t just about the training. It was also about the connections. Rick Higinbotham from Local G-555 talked about the importance of expanding leadership skills and effective organizing techniques: “The workshop on expanding leadership skills was fantastic. There are so many aspects of leadership, and it’s important that we continue to improve ourselves to better serve our members.” This kind of continuous improvement is what will keep our unions strong and relevant.

The UWUA Leadership Conference was a wake-up call for all of us. It’s clear that the future of our unions lies in the hands of our leaders, and this conference provided the tools and inspiration needed to take our unions to the next level. So, if you’re a union leader looking to make a real difference, DO NOT MISS OUT on the next UWUA Leadership Conference. This is your chance to be part of something bigger, to learn from the best, and to take your local union to new heights. The future of our unions is in our hands, and with the insights and training from this conference, we are ready to take on any challenge that comes our way. BOO-YAH!