June 19 - 21, 2026
Registration fee is $250 per person for the weekend courses and speakers. The fee includes light fare and beverages Friday evening, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, non-alcoholic beverages for the Saturday Social (7pm-10pm), and continuous refreshment service and curated break offerings throughout the weekend.
Payment can be submitted by mail upon registration. Please make cheque payable to Niagara District CUPE Council and mail to:
Niagara District CUPE Council
2601 Hwy 20, Unit #1
Thorold, ON. L2V 5S8
Best Western Hotel rooms have been reserved for out-of-town attendees at a discounted rate of $279/night (plus tax).
Please email infondcc9102@gmail.com if there are any dietary restrictions for attendees.
More information about the weekend can be found here: niagara.cupe.ca/womenrising/
English
Classroom
Niagara District CUPE Council
Women Rising: Strength, Voice Leadership
Women Rising: Strength, Voice, Leadership is a weekend dedicated to empowering CUPE women and those who identify as such to step into their leadership, strengthen their voices, and build collective power. Grounded in the theme Bold Women. Strong Voices. Real Change., the weekend invites participants to explore what it means to lead with courage, resilience, and purpose within our union, the labour movement, and beyond. The Women Rising weekend creates space to connect with other women, build supportive relationships, and form lasting networks that participants can draw on long after the event ends.
Through CUPE’s Women Breaking Barriers course, attendees will examine the systemic challenges women face while gaining practical skills and confidence to navigate and overcome them. Learn about women’s oppression, politics and social change, all from a woman’s perspective. Explore the barriers, challenges and opportunities for women in the union. Discover your own personal leadership style and develop a plan for your personal next step.
The weekend will also feature inspiring guest speakers who will share their personal journeys, highlighting the obstacles they have faced and the strength it takes to continue showing up and doing this important work. Rooted in solidarity and shared experience, this gathering creates space to connect, learn, and rise together. When women lead with strength and voice, real change happens.
Labour, Music, and Art: Activating your Local
June 19, 2026 (5:00pm-9:00pm)
We will delve into labour history and activism through past and current music, writing, poetry, and art created by workers, for the benefit of workers and the world. We will challenge ourselves to create member engagement and campaign tools that will inspire and capture the experiences of members. No artistic experience required!
Women Breaking Barriers
June 20, 2026 (9:00am-6:00pm)
June 21, 2026 (9:00am-2:00pm)
Learn about women’s oppression, politics and social change – all from a woman’s perspective. Explore the barriers, challenges and opportunities for women in the union. Discover your own personal leadership style and develop a plan for your personal next step. NOTE: This workshop is open to members who identify as women.
June 1, 2026
30
Best Western - St Catharines
2 North Service Rd
St. Catharines, Ontario
(map)
There is significant demand for our workshops. If you need to cancel your registration, please email Daniela Greco, dgreco@cupe.ca, 80 Commerce Valley Drive East, MARKHAM, Ontario L3T 0B2 as soon as possible.
Thanks for your interest in CUPE’s Union Education Program and for your ongoing leadership in our union!
In response to the health concerns of our members and staff, CUPE has implemented a Scent-Free Policy at all of our workshops. Scented products such as hair spray, perfume and deodorant can trigger reactions such as respiratory distress and headaches. Facilitators and participants are asked to refrain from using scented products while attending our workshops and meetings. Thank you for your cooperation.
Daniela Greco
dgreco@cupe.ca