We're excited to welcome everyone to Region 9A's Summer School! Please use this form to register to attend and contact Region 9A Education Rep Matthew Donlevy (mdonlevy@uaw.net) with any questions.

Below is the official registration form for the upcoming Regional Summer School in Boston!

This conference is an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow UAW members and share strategies for building power in our workplaces. The education program will meet the needs of new and veteran members alike, so share widely!

The hotel info will be forthcoming as soon as possible and more details will follow in a stand-alone email.

Below is a draft agenda for the upcoming 9A Boston Summer School. Please keep in mind that the framework may change slightly!

Day 1:

Morning Session:

Registration, breakfast and welcome address

10:00 - 10:30 Opening Address: UAW 9A to Today
Presenters speak with a focus on militant unionist history and the UAW with focus on rank-and-file empowerment, cross-sectoral power building, and strategic action.

10:30 - 11:45  Workshop Session 1: "Bargaining & Building a Campaign”
Understanding basic negotiation process, techniques and best practices for members/leaders in a member-focused context. Tactics and strategy exchange.

Lunch Break

Afternoon Session:

1:00-2:15 Workshop Session 2: “Labor Law 101 for Bargaining”
Addressing current legal/political issues relevant to the region and unions more broadly. Useful overview of relevant labor law principles for leaders and members. Q&A session with the speaker.

2:30-3:45 Workshop Session 3: Bargaining for the Common Good

4:00 - 5:15 Panel Discussion: "The Future of Labor in New England"
Moderated discussion on the role organized labor plays in the political and economic landscape of the city. Panelists highlight the challenges and opportunities for locals under the context of capital, new organizing, political shifts and more. Q&A session with panelists.

Evening 1: Optional Evening Social Event

Day 2:

Morning Session:

10:00 - 11:15 Workshop Session 4a: “Social Media Strategies and Union Comms”
A deep dive on how to use social media and communication tools effectively. 9A based examples and discussion from members about what works and what to avoid.

10:00-11:15 Workshop Session 4b: “Roles of Officers”
Session for new (or old) union leaders that highlights the nature and responsibilities of their roles. Materials given with space for group discussion and sharing.

Lunch Break

Afternoon Session:

1:00-2:15 Workshop Session 5a: “Effective Meeting Facilitation”
Practical resources and tools for running efficient, democratic and enjoyable union meetings. Tips on how to deal productively with differences of opinions and work towards consensus decision making.

1:00-2:15 Workshop Session 5b: “Winning Grievances”
Walkthrough of how to successfully draft, file, argue and mobilize around grievances
Exercises, discussion and materials distributed.

2:30 - 4:00 Workshop Session 6: "Building Stronger Union Membership"
Exploring strategies to engage and empower union members to take actions broadly.
Sharing successful union campaigns, initiatives and tactics. Guide members through workplace mapping and similar tools.

Evening 2: Optional Evening Social Event

Day 3:

Morning Session:

10:00-11:15 Workshop Session 7: "Building Sectoral Power"
Exploring the concepts and strategies of building sectoral power in the Region. Highlight past examples of this in the region and beyond, discuss potential avenues for working towards this on a local and regional level.

11:30-12:45 Workshop Session 8: “External Organizing 101”
What do you do when someone you know wants to form a union? Dive through internal organizing concepts ranging from effective 1 on 1 conversations to building our social maps. Outline potential framework for developing leads and increasing worker involvement.

Lunch Break

Afternoon Session:

2:00 Closing Plenary: “Building Power and Strike Prep”
How to win demands and dignity through building power—culminating in a strike if necessary.

Closing Remarks
Recap of the conference highlights and key takeaways
Closing remarks and thank you note from conference organizer
Swag exchange