Register for a three-part training on new worker engagement

MLK Labor is excited to partner with the Washington State Labor Education and Research Center to put on a three-part series on getting new workers involved in your union. The class is called “Building Power from Day One.” This three-part course will give union staff and organizers the skills to talk about choosing union membership, effective new member orientations, and how you can organize to make your union a place that fosters participation and community.

This would be an excellent opportunity for union reps, organizers, shop stewards, and leadership. Sessions will be on Thursdays from 6-8 pm at the South Seattle College Georgetown Campus on March 27, April 3 and April 10. Dinner will be provided. To get the most out of these classes we recommend attending all sessions. Registration is $10 with no one turned away for lack of funds. Unions can sponsor to send your members to the training, or individual workers can sign up.

Space is limited, so sign up as soon as possible. To learn more and register, go to: tinyurl.com/NewWorkers2025

Here is a little more information about each session:

Session 1: Uniting Workers in an Anti-Worker Climate – March 27 (6-8 pm)

In this session, we will give historical context to current perceptions of unions, the rise of the open shop, and the reasons people may or may not choose to join a union. Participants will also collectively reflect on their own unions, assess how and why our members may view the union the way they do, discuss the importance of effective new employee orientations in open shop organizing, and strategize towards creating, welcoming, inclusive, and fighting unions that could make joining their ranks worthwhile.

Session 2: Stories from the Field on Organizing New Co-Workers – April 3 (6-8 pm)

In session two, we will cover the essentials of building effective new employee orientations. This session will also include a panel discussion where union organizers will discuss what the implementation of these new employee orientations and further internal organizing strategies looked like in their own unions.

Session 3: Building an Effective New Member Program in Your Union – April 10 (6-8 pm)

In session three, we build on the lessons from previous sessions to outline plans to build effective new employee orientation programs at the local level. We will also examine a case study on efforts to build engagement within the union and use assessments from previous sessions to build actionable internal organizing strategies that participants can take back to their locals.

Register for a three-part training on new worker engagement

March 15, 2025