2023 Training Opportunities

July

Intro to the Union: Building Power in the Workplace
Wednesday, July 19 // 9 AM – 3 PM // 1410 Bush St., Baltimore, MD 21230

This training is designed for members who want to get more involved. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the history and structure of AFSCME, information on how to solve problems, fight around issues and every member’s rights and responsibilities. Members interested in becoming stewards should attend this training.

August

Legislative Committee Meeting
Saturday, August 12 // 9 AM – 1 PM // 190 W Ostend St., Baltimore, MD 21230

This meeting is for members who want to learn more about the 2024 legislative agenda and learn how to do great legislative visits in the Fall to help prepare for session.

Volunteer Member Organizing Blitz
Monday, August 21 – Friday, August 25 // Statewide

Multi-day training and blitz designed to build our union and get you the skills you need to reach out to and involve co-workers and strengthen your local union. We’ll hit worksites to talk to non-members and find new activists. This blitz is open to all members but will be focused on assisting K-12 locals as they enter the new school year.

University System of Maryland Bargaining and Day of Action
Wednesday, August 30

We are negotiating our first contract.  It’s time to stand together to show the administration that AFSCME members are willing to fight for raises and respect. Mark your calendars now!  

State Bargaining Committee Meeting
Thursday, August 31 // 9 AM - 5 PM // 1410 Bush St., Baltimore, MD 21230

The state bargaining committee will meet to identify priorities and plan to win for this year’s contract negotiations.  

September

New Member Meeting
Saturday, September 9 // 10 AM – 12 PM // 1410 Bush St., Baltimore, MD 21230

This meeting is for all new AFSCME members who want to find out more about their union, and their roles and responsibilities as a member.

Financial Standards Workshop
Tuesday, September 19 // 10 AM – 4 PM // 1410 Bush St., Baltimore, MD 21230

Presented by the AFSCME International Auditing Department, this class instructs participants on IRS and AFSCME Financial Standards Code rules and regulations for union recordkeeping and reporting. We will examine the Code and discuss best practices for overseeing your local’s funds. This training is open to local elected leaders. 

Steward in Action
Wednesday, September 20 (10 AM – 5 PM) & Thursday, September 21 (9 AM – 5 PM) // Southern Region

In this two-day session we focus on the nuts and bolts of becoming an effective shop steward. A steward has important roles and responsibilities within the union that include signing up new members, getting others involved in the union, keeping co-workers up to date on what the union is doing, and representing co-workers with management. Become a certified steward by completing this training and gathering the support of ten co-workers.

Local President’s Meeting
Friday, September 22 (10 AM – 5 PM) // Location TBD

This meeting is for all AFSCME Council 3 presidents to build solidarity, share strengths and challenges. We will review benchmarks for healthy locals, discuss best practices, and set goals for the rest of 2023 and 2024.

October

Statewide Bargaining Town Hall
Wednesday, October 11 // 6 PM // Virtual on Zoom

Important updates on state bargaining and planning for the next mobilization to win a good contract and raises. This event is virtual so that we can build solidarity and power in every corner of the state.  

Volunteer Member Organizing Blitz & Week of Action
Monday, October 23 – Friday, October 27 // Statewide

Multi-day training and blitz designed to build our union and get you the skills you need to reach out to and involve co-workers and strengthen your local union. We’ll hit worksites and do house visits to talk to non-members and find new activists.  

November

Intro to the Union: Building Power in the Workplace
Tuesday, November 7, Thursday, November 9 & Tuesday, November 14 // 10 AM – 4 PM // Multiple Locations

This training is designed for members new to the union or long-time members who want to get more involved. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the structure and history of AFSCME, how to solve problems, fight on issues and every member’s rights and responsibilities. 

Local Union Leadership Academy
Date and Location TBD

This is a multi-day training that includes a field project in your local. The Local Union Leadership Academy (LULA) is a program in which union leadership teams gain essential skills, enhance teamwork, and develop goals and plans to strengthen their local unions and win for AFSCME members and their families. Please note, this is a multi-day training that includes a field project in your local.

Financial Standards Workshop
Friday, November 3 // 10 AM – 4 PM // 1410 Bush St., Baltimore, MD 21230 (with virtual option)

December

Legislative Kick-Off
Saturday, December 9 // 9 AM – 3 PM // Location TBD

The legislative session begins on January 10. This meeting is for any member who wants to participate in mobilizing around the Council’s priorities for the upcoming session.

Volunteer Member Organizing Blitz
Monday, December 11 – Friday, December 15 // Location TBD

Multi-day training and blitz designed to get you the skills you need to reach out to and involve co-workers and strengthen your local union. We’ll pair up and hit worksites to talk to non-members and find new activists. 

Solidarity Day Statewide Show of Action
Wednesday, December 13 // Statewide

AFSCME members from around the state will show our solidarity with statewide contract negotiations.