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Access to specialized educational courses at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center is one of the many benefits of being a NFFE-IAM member. A nationally-renown labor education facility, the Winpisinger Center offers a variety of classes aimed at improving the skills of union members to operate an effective Local. As the New Year kicks off and Locals begin planning for 2016, be sure to check out the 2016 calendar of classes. NFFE-IAM members interested in attending a class at the Winpisinger Center should have a Local officer e-mail NFFE National President William R. Dougan with the participant’s name, position in Local (if applicable), as well as the title and date of the desired class to be enrolled in.
While all classes will teach critical skills, a few noteworthy classes for NFFE-IAM members include:
Federal Employees Basic – (2/7), (2/28), (6/19)
This is the introductory class for all NFFE-IAM members. The Federal Employees program uses seminars and workshops to educate federal sector employees about the legal and political aspects of their jobs. Students learn about lobbying Congress, Workers Compensation (OWCP), the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), Prohibited Personnel Practices, the Hatch Act, Grievance and Arbitration Processing, Strategic Planning, Communications and Collective Bargaining.
Communicators Class – (11/13), (12/4)
Communications is at the heart of an effective Local. Local officers could provide the best representation possible, but if Local victories are not effectively communicated to the bargaining unit, the age-old question of “what is the Union doing for me?” will never be answered. The Communicators program is aimed at Communicators who are not publishing newsletters or websites and need help in basic skills such as news writing, internet research, desktop publishing, creating a web page using the IAM Microsite Service, expanding their network of email contacts and learning what is needed to start an effective newsletter or website for their lodge. Effective communication is a key component to new member recruitment.
Organizing I – (2/28), (3/3), (5/15), (7/31)
Organizing is the single most important factor in determining the success of a Local. Similarly to communications, bargaining unit employees do not join a passive Local. NFFE-IAM members need to be visible in their workplace and constantly recruiting new members to gain strength at the bargaining table and earn respect from management. The Organizing I program is designed to help participants develop the skills and strategies necessary to organize groups of workers. Working with case studies from IAM organizing campaigns, the focus is on developing essential communication and message skills as well as on understanding the essential elements of a plan for organizing success.
Basic Web Development – (4/17)
The Communication Department’s Website Development program is designed to teach participants the basics of building a union website. Participants create, refine and publish a complete website using “hands-on” instruction techniques and are encouraged to build upon basics learned in class and create unique websites.
The William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md.
