AFT Michigan has a comprehensive Union Building Certificate Program. While participation in individual workshop, conferences and events will always be welcome, the goal is that leaders, leadership teams and potential leaders secure comprehensive training by enrolling in the Certificate program.

There are many facets to being an effective leader, and to build a strong leadership team and a strong local union. Over the years, AFT Michigan has provided a number of programs to assist local leaders in meeting these goals. As the challenges we face continue to mount, our vision for our un- ion remains strong, so we have enhanced the training provided accordingly.

As part of the Certificate Program AFT Michigan has combined the Presidents Council and trainings for specific positions (i.e.: Health Care Advocate, Retirement Representative, etc.) into two Leadership Summits.

Also included at these Leadership Summits will be meetings of AFT Michigan's four constituency committees. This provides the committees the opportunity - in March - to plan their work for the year. This format stresses the importance of building a strong leadership team.

Activists who complete the training for specific positions will continue to have the opportunity to meet at Leadership Summits to exchange ideas and move the programs - and their locals - forward. These activists will also become part of a "position network" (i.e.: for Health Care Advocates, Re- tirement Representatives, etc.) to receive information and exchange ideas between Leadership Summits.

To earn a certificate participants will attend (within a two year period):

1. Strategic Planning (2 sessions)
   
2. Local Union Essentials (2 of 3 sessions) (formerly Nuts & Bolts.)
   
3. Collective Bargaining and Contract Enforcement (Annually)
   
4. Politics in the Public Sector (not yet scheduled)

And a training program for one of the following positions:

Health Care Advocate
    For members with employer-provided health care
    For members without employer-provided health care (New)
Financial Analyst
    K-12
    Higher Education
Retirement Representative
    For persons with MSPERS access
    For persons saving for retirement via 401(k) s, 403(b)s, IRAs, etc. (New)
Community Outreach Initiative Coordinator
Communication Coordinator (New)
Treasurer
Political Action Coordinator
Educational Issues Coordinator (New)
Bargaining Team Member
Grievance Chair
Presidents Council (Presidents Only)

Register for this program >>