April 26, 2008

New local organizers from around the country hit the ground running with four jam-packed days of intense training on organizing, March 10-13 in Tampa, Florida. It was part of the Teamsters Leadership Academy (TLA) series from the Teamsters Training and Development Department and hosted by Local 79.

The topics included basic elements of organizing, campaign stages, campaign leadership, organizing committees, communications, preparing for the vote, and differences in public and private sector organizing.  The seminar also included hands-on experience through a house-calling blitz coordinated with the Solid Waste Division.

“This was an excellent opportunity for participants to practice what they learned in the sessions,” said Claudia Galloway, Senior Training Coordinator. “There was a lot of excitement about the opportunity to talk to workers and get a sense of what a house call blitz truly is like. We had 20 teams in action.”

The Organizing TLAs are a joint venture between two IBT Union Departments—Training and Development and Organizing. Both departments provide trainers and other resources in order to give the participants a broad organizing curriculum in an environment conducive to learning.

“This is a great example of IBT departments working together to provide local unions with the tools they need to develop a strong and active membership,” said Cindy Impala, Director of the Training and Development Department. “Our ability to draw on the expertise of staff in many IBT Departments allows us to provide programs that meet the various needs of our participants.”

“I came to this training with little knowledge of how to conduct a successful organizing campaign,” said Jared Hicks, Local 238 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “What I learned will aid me with law enforcement organizing. And they made it enjoyable to learn.” 

“I found the information, as well as the real life experiences shared by all, to be invaluable,” said Darin Melnechenko from Local 987 in Alberta, Canada. “It will help me build confidence for all future organizing campaigns.”

“Great TLA! Organizing is new to me and this workshop gave me a lot of new skills to get started," said James Soumas from Local 190 in Billings, Montana. "The information was great—truly a good foundation.”