South
2002 Southern School for Union Women
Lexington, Kentucky
The Southern School for Union Women was held at the
Embassy Suites in Lexington, Kentucky from July 7-11. It
was attended by 31 women who were offered courses in
Labor Law, Leadership Training, Creative Organizing,
Strategic Planning, Advanced Steward Training, Workplace
Violence, Workplace Strategies for Women. The women were
from the SEIU, UAW, USW, TWU, Laborers, UFCW, Bakery and
Confectionary Workers, and the CWA. They were from
Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina,
Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. The instructors for the
program are listed in the program attachment and were
recruited by word of mouth and past instructors. In
addition, general sessions included presentations on the
history of the Southern School for union women, the local
living wage campaign, globalization and politics, and a
nonprofit program for women. Radical cheers and
songwriting were prevalent throughout the school.
The cost of the school was $300 for tuition and meals.
The rooms cost approximately $225 per person for a
double. A budget is attached. We received $3400 of
support for scholarship and instructor support. This
money was spent on 5 scholarships, and instructors' food
and lodging costs. One scholarship was offered to each
union that applied. It looks as though we pretty much
came out even if the staff support provided by UK CLEAR
is not factored (my salary, the salary of a conference
coordinator, and two labor educators).
The conference received favorable evaluations as shown
below (10 point scale).
a. How do you rate the quality of the conference
overall? 9.0
b. How do you rate the quality of the materials you
received? 9.3
c. How likely are you to attend other CLEAR events?
9.2
d. How do you rate the quality of the hotel
accommodations? 9.5
e. How do you rate the quality of the food? 7.6
The majority of favorable comments concerned the
camaraderie and the quality of the instruction. Length of
the day, not enough time for specific classes, more
balanced agenda, and a preference for Washington, DC were
among the favorable comments. Additionally, some felt
that they needed more lead-time in planning to attend the
conference. Hence, my recommendation is to get the
brochures out 3 months early and make decisions on
scholarships at lead 4-6 weeks in advance.
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West
The program was held at the U.C. Santa Cruz campus. The theme was ¡Union Sisters Sin Fronteras!, which translates as ¡Union Sisters Without Borders! There were nearly 150 women in attendance!
The Women
represented the full spectrum of unions in the Western
United States, and they responded enthusiastically to the
program. Unions will clearly benefit from the new
information and materials offered on organizing,
learship, collective bargaining and other essential
skills. One participant wrote, "This was an
incredible experience - great teachers - I learned so
much that I can go back and share with others in my
union!"
This was the
first year that we were able to offer the Institute in
Spanish, as well as English. The simultaneous
translations would not have been possible without your
generous support and that of others. One of the women
wrote, "We are so greatful we were able to take our
classes in Spanish. I am very happy to have been given
this oppertunity and I hope that you will continue to
offer the workshops in Spanish in the future. I feel very
proud of this diploma!"
The Spirit of the
school was truly remarkable.
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