Workshops will be held on Monday, August 17 and Wednesday, August 19.
Check the app and signage for room numbers.
Workshop Descriptions
Built to Blitz
Investing in the PEOPLE program is the best way for us to amplify the voice of workers. Want to increase the PEOPLE numbers in your local? Jumpstart recruitment with a PEOPLE Blitz. Learn how to develop a targeted plan to have one-on-ones with members and build political power.
From Federal Budgets to Local Services: What’s at Stake for Our Communities
The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act will devastate our workplaces, our families and our wallets. Learn how budget cuts are causing shortfalls in states, counties and cities, and how to prepare for tough fights ahead.
Mobilize the Vote
Learn key strategies and tactics to help develop your Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) skills. This workshop will cover the importance of “make a plan” conversations, early voting, mail voting rules, and legal and safety guidelines.
New Congress, New Fighters: Creating a Plan to Shape the Agenda
Electing pro-worker candidates is just the first step. Building working relationships comes next and holding those leaders accountable is where the work gets hard. This workshop focuses on how to build strong relationships with newly elected leaders and turn those connections into meaningful policy wins. Come ready to share ideas, strategies and experiences as we build an effective, worker-centered policy agenda and the power to deliver it.
Don’t Miss a Member: New Employee Outreach Strategies
We know meeting new employees during their first days at work is critical for strengthening our union and building lasting relationships. Do you want to learn best practices for initiating conversations during in-person and virtual opportunities? Learn new skills and get tips on reaching out to new members and signing them up.
Winning Workplace Actions
Direct actions in the workplace build power, change working conditions and improve our members’ lives. We can use our collective power to hold the boss accountable. Participants will identify the tools needed to organize around workplace issues with their local. Learn how to build an active membership, enhance communication and develop new leaders to quickly solve problems.
Growing New Union Leaders
How can we find and recruit new activists to help us face the challenges ahead and build stronger local unions? This workshop will focus on skills and tools to help develop new union leaders.
Defending Workplace Equity
Examine policies that have disproportionately harmed marginalized workers, especially women, immigrants and people of color, and what they mean for the fight for worker justice. Together, we’ll unpack the connections between policy, power and workplace equity, and strategize responses that strengthen solidarity and advance inclusive economic justice.
Shop Steward 101
Strong stewards are the backbone of the workplace. Stewards play a vital role in creating strong locals and active memberships. Learn how to be the most effective steward and use your skills to empower your fellow members.
Building Your Best Case: A Guide to Discipline Handling
A big part of a steward’s job is making sure that members facing discipline are treated fairly by the boss. Get prepared to provide the most effective representation possible to your co-workers, from the initial investigatory interview through developing a compelling defense.
Fighting Privatization
Efforts to privatize public services are at an all-time high. Learn to identify early warning signs of privatization efforts, respond effectively to common pro-privatization arguments and start mapping strategies for organizing, contract protection and community coalition-building.
Bargaining in Hard Times
The changes shaped by the administration in Washington, D.C., have shown up in many ways: layoffs, furloughs, privatization threats and tougher contract battles. Share creative solutions to address this crisis and win strong contract language and union protections. Get prepared to engage, mobilize and be active to face challenges and build power.
AFSCME GO Message Training
Strengthen your ability to communicate and motivate with clear, values-based messaging. Learn practical tips for presentations, speeches and handling tough questions from the media, elected officials and the public while bridging back to AFSCME priorities.
In a hands-on content lab, you’ll develop and test real-world materials like speeches, talking points and digital content. You’ll leave with sharper messaging, stronger media skills and a plan to apply the AFSCME GO message in upcoming campaigns.
Cybersecurity: The Union as a High-Value Target and Building Defense
Why do hackers target labor unions? And how can we protect ourselves and AFSCME members? Learn how and why your local could be hacked and how to prevent it.
Artificial Intelligence: How to advocate for our members
What is artificial intelligence and what are the opportunities and challenges for AFSCME members? How can we make sure that AI tools support and add value to our work while also protecting our rights and the public services we provide? Get the tools you need to make sure that workplace AI tools are responsibly developed and implemented in collaboration with our union.
Online Education
How can you use our online learning systems to enhance and deepen your skills as an activist? How can you use it to build the skills and confidence of other leaders and activists in your local? Knowledge is power and our online learning system can help you keep learning even when you’re not in a classroom.
Leading In Times of Crisis
We have faced many challenges over the past decade and sometimes the battle takes a toll. Learn how leadership looks different during a crisis and find ways to be a real source of support while still taking care of yourself.
Know Your Rights: Protect Yourself and Your Family
Prepare yourself, your family and your coworkers to stay safe and informed in the face of current immigration enforcement tactics.
AFSCME Financial Standards Code
AFSCME Financial Standards Code is the go-to document for our union officers regarding guidelines in financial oversight. This workshop will provide an overview of the code’s various articles and related appendices.
Financial Situations Best Practices
Learn best practices related to various financial situations common to union officers. Topics will include situations related to reporting requirements and other fiscal responsibilities of union officers.