The work of AFT Michigan is rooted in two basic power-building strategies:
- Building strong local unions able to consistently bring members together and win campaigns at the workplace, and
- Connecting AFT Michigan locals on a regional and statewide basis to build power and take on broader external campaigns.
This is the second year of reinventing our training and leadership development program to reflect this strategic focus. We had overwhelmingly positive responses to the “Power Wheel” and how it helped provide a sense of structure to our various conferences. This year, we will continue building on that foundation, and also add a few new elements. Some highlights you can look forward to include:
- A slightly revised Power Wheel that will be easier to align with workshops for individual leaders on Saturdays at our three Leadership Summits (August, January, and April), culminating in certificates for members committed to deepening their knowledge and practice within each area of capacity;
- An expanded LEAD Program open to all locals with a leadership team that want to work together to build the capacity of your local (LEAD sessions will again be held on the Sundays of Leadership Summits);
- A Union Administration workshop series (also on the Sundays of Summits);
- A Bargaining Conference in December to allow for deeper skill-building for members of negotiating teams and contract enforcement committees; and
- A pilot Emerging Leaders Coaching program for individuals committed to self-reflection and becoming more effective leaders.
Leadership Summits: Please put four key events in your calendar and plan to attend:
- August 18-19, 2018: Leadership Summit, Union Admin and LEAD Session 1
- December 8, 2018: Collective Bargaining & Contract Enforcement Conference
- January 26-27, 2019: Leadership Summit, Union Admin, and LEAD Session 2
- April 13-14, 2019: Leadership Summit, Union Admin, and LEAD Session 3
To register, go to https://aftmichigan.org/events/union-building-events/ and see the flyer below for more details!
Emerging Leaders Coaching Program: We are excited to pilot a one-on-one relationship-building approach to leadership development this year, particularly aimed at people in their first few years of union leadership. Emerging leaders in the program will be assigned an AFT Michigan staff person as a coach for the school year, who will work with them to set goals and check in periodically (e.g. twice a month). If you are interested in applying to be part of this pilot coaching program, contact David Dobbie at ddobbie@aftmichigan.org.
2018-19-brochure
