New Leaders Sharpen Their Skills

Twenty-seven new leaders from across the United States and Canada participated in the International Union’s fall New Leaders Program, held November 5-9 at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. A key educational program since 1974, the training offers an extensive orientation to the IU’s programs, resources, and personnel for recently appointed or elected Local/ADC officers and staff.The fall program consisted of a hybrid of online and in-person sessions. Attendees participated in online training sessions on the Action Builder organizing tool, Construct Connect construction project tracking database, and Microsoft Excel before the in-person session. 

During the intensive five day in-person training, participants learned about the union’s core functions and structure, organizing tactics, project tracking best practices, IMI and IMTEF, and IU departments and programs. The training centered on organizing, covering topics such as organizing basics, strategies, and how to talk with general contractors, as well as a Construction Organizing Membership Education Training (COMET) train-the-trainer.

“These new leaders were very engaged and asked a lot of great questions. They came enthusiastic and ready to learn,” remarked Executive Vice President Jerry Sullivan. 

Ramon Curet, Organizer at Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois, commented, “I’ve only been doing this for 3 months, so any information I can get is wonderful. You go from being an experienced journey worker for 27 years to this role, and it’s like being an apprentice again. Now I have a clear focus for when I go home.” 

“It’s been an incredible experience,” Local 7 New York/Jersey Organizer Sal Correa agreed.  “I’ve learned a lot, and it made me realize I need to keep learning. I’m inspired to get to the point where I’m proficient in my role.”