Regional Offices in the Prairies are currently developing education schedules for 2014 and specific course dates will be posted to the website as they become available. In the meantime, here's a preview of what you can expect for union education in the months ahead.
Review the 2013 - 2015 Prairies Education Plan for more information about education needs identified in the Prairie Region.
*Please note: Plans are not finalized and are subject to change.
Alliance Facilitator Training
The Alliance Facilitators' Network (AFN) is an important part of the PSAC Education Program. Members who receive special training as union facilitators are available to conduct information and education seminars at the workplace and in the Local. Several years ago the PSAC Prairies started an AF Renewal Program pilot project which will finish up early in 2014 with a Facilitation Skills and Design Clinic for Alliance Facilitators who have not yet completed their three-step certification process. Training for new Alliance Facilitators will be considered for the fall of 2014.
Mini Union School
Over the last few years several Prairies Regional Offices have offered a Mini Union School. This Friday evening/all-day Saturday event includes three half-day workshops on a variety of topics. Membership response to the mini-union school has been very positive as it allows members to get valuable union training on several important topics in an effective and efficient manner. This spring we will host mini union schools for Local Executive Officers and elected officers from regional committees and area councils across the Prairie region.
Convention Preparations
All seven regions and 17 Components of the PSAC will host Conventions from April to October of 2014. The 6th Triennial Convention of the PSAC Prairie Region will be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at the TCU Place, June 27-29, 2014. Regional Offices will offer Convention-related training, including resolution writing workshops, convention preparation, and delegate training this winter and spring.
Health and Safety
In 2012 more than 50 Prairies members attended the 2012 Prairies Regional Health & Safety Conference in Edmonton and 55 more attended the 2013 National Health & Safety Conference in Montreal (over 1,000 applications were received for 300 available spots). It’s obvious there is an overwhelming interest in health and safety training among PSAC members. As an introduction to health and safety for all members, we will offer the new “Health and Safety at PSAC Workplaces” across the region in 2014.
Equity Education
Last month, hundreds of PSAC members gathered in Toronto for the PSAC National Equity Conferences. These conferences are an opportunity for our members to continue the important work of maintaining and improving the militancy and activism of the Union in the struggle to improve the human rights and working conditions of all PSAC members. In the Prairies, one of our priorities is to offer education opportunities in support of equity seeking groups, including courses such as the National Aboriginal Peoples’ Circle (NAPC) Course for Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis members, as well as Unionism on Turtle Island, A Woman’s Place Is In Her Union, Women At Work, and Young Workers in Action.
Prairies Union School
The Prairies Union School is an opportunity for active union members to learn new skills, create and strengthen networks with one another, and return to their workplaces and union locals with increased knowledge, skills and energy. The last Prairies Union School took place in 2009 in Edmonton under the theme "Building Our Union - Yes We Can". Overall it was a great success and was well received by the 83 members who attended. Early next year the Prairie Region Council Education Committee will begin planning for a five-day fall union school. Stay tuned for more information on membership opportunities available through the 2014 Prairies Union School.