AFT Michigan Winter Classes 2012

Tuesday Evenings in January, February and March AFT Michigan offers classes to help you develop the tools you need to be an effective union leader/member. They are open to everyone in the union, at no cost, and we encourage anyone who thinks of themselves as a "leader," wants to be a leader, could be a leader, or who just wants to better understand what a union does, to attend as many of them as you can.

Some of the classes, like Strategic Planning, are two part classes and the second class builds upon what was learned in the first class. Others you are welcome to attend a single class, or attend all eight sessions!

Classes are held every Tuesday, starting January 17th, from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the AFT Michigan office in Detroit. A light dinner is provided. These classes do not qualify for SB-CEUs.

To register, click on the link for the class you want to attend.

January 17, 2012
Session 1: AFT 101: Leadership Roles & Responsibilities, and Tools You Can Use
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How are the state and national federations structured?
Who does what work in your local? (Diagram exercise)
What are your responsibilities to the membership under PERA?
Local obligations to the state and national AFT, AFL-CIO, etc.
Resources to make your job easier (Toolkit, LeaderNet, Contract Database, AFT+, etc.)

    Homework: Start Foundation Planning Form and draft member survey on political action

January 24, 2012
Session 2: Labor Law Basics
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Overview of PERA and MERC
AFT Michigan Legal Fund process
Organizing around grievances

    Homework: Finish Foundation Planning Form and collect survey responses

January 31, 2012
Session 3: Leading for Membership Engagement
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How does information flow between leaders and members?
What patterns did you see in where you got surveys back from?
What are your local's strengths and weaknesses? (Analysis of diagrams, Foundation Planning form, and any feedback on surveys)
Setting up a member-to-member system to ensure effective communication
Mapping your local
1-on-1 conversations
Making the ask
Leadership and changing local culture: it doesn't happen in meetings

February 7, 2012
Session 4: Politics in the Public Sector (part 1)
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Why is there an attack on the public sector and unions?

February 14, 2012
Session 5: Politics in the Public Sector (part 2)
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How do decisions get made and how can we shape them?

February 21, 2012
Session 6: Politics in the Public Sector (part 3)
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How can we get people elected who support our issues?

February 28, 2012
Session 7: Strategic Planning (part 1)
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Consider bringing a team from your local, you will finish the two sessions with a plan for your local.

March 6, 2012
Session 8: Strategic Planning (part 2)
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Putting your plan in practice within your local