The Alberta provincial election is being held this spring on Monday, May 29. Making sure that the issues that matter to working people are front and centre in government decisions is critical for our members and the growth of our union in the province. That means Steelworkers must play an important role in supporting progressive candidates and policies that support our members.
In support of our political action and education programs in District 3, USW is scheduling the following Steelworkers Vote training sessions:
SWV Activist Training – May 1-5, 2023 – Edmonton
(Holiday Inn Conference Centre Edmonton South, 4485 Gateway Blvd NW)
This training is for USW activists in Alberta with some political experience. Training will focus on building support in your workplace and community for Steelworker campaigns, identifying ways Steelworkers can get involved and take political action to elect more progressive candidates, and learning the skills required to lead effective member-to-member, political or issue-based campaigns. Participants will learn how to organize and motivate volunteers and supporters, utilize digital tools, and more. You will receive advice from experienced campaigners that will combine theory in addition to idea sharing and hands-on practice. Sessions will be full days, including evening work and volunteering.
SWV Activist Training – May 24-29, 2023 – Calgary
(Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, 1316 33 St NE)
This session is for any USW member who wants to learn more about becoming politically active or to refresh their campaigning skills. This course is designed to raise awareness about the importance of politics in our everyday lives, build support in your workplace and community for Steelworker campaigns, identify ways Steelworkers can get involved and take political action to elect more progressive candidates. Sessions will be full days, including evening work and volunteering. Participants will be expected to participate over the weekend.
Advanced SWV Activist Training – May 24-29, 2023 – Calgary
(Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, 1316 33 St NE)
This training is for any USW activist with past Steelworkers Vote training or who has been a volunteer or staff member in a past campaign. Training will focus on learning the skills required to lead effective member-to-member, political or issue-based campaigns. Participants will learn how to organize and motivate volunteers and supporters, utilize digital tools, and more. You will receive advice from experienced campaigners that will combine theory in addition to idea sharing and hands-on practice. The course will provide a more in-depth exposure to political campaigns and the content can be applied to issue-based campaigns at the municipal, provincial and federal level. Sessions will be full days, including evening work and volunteering. Participants will be expected to participate over the weekend.
It is important we have the commitment from participants from local unions. Local unions will be reimbursed for participant lost time, per diems, travel and accommodations by the USW International office. Members should discuss their participation with their local union president before applying. Please note that all members will be interviewed before being accepted into the course.
These schools are a great opportunity to learn about politics, learn new campaign skills, build a network of engaged Steelworkers and volunteer in local campaigns. Elections matter and Steelworker involvement can make a difference.