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CUPE Education Workshop Calendar

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2025 Alberta Spring Weeklong School

April 27 - May 2, 2025 | Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, Canmore, Alberta | English | $2250
4 Workshops series are being offered. Choose one of the following streams for the entire week:

(a) From the Streets to the Ballot Box: Building Political Power
(b) SLS - Steward Learning Series #1. The Basics
(c) Collective Bargaining
(d) SLS - Steward Learning Series #2 Advanced

Maximum 20 participants per workshop.

Anti-Harassment and Bystander Training

May 2, 2025 | CUPE ARO Boardroom, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia | English
When we are disrespected in our union, or when harm, harassment, and discrimination happen we are unsafe. We would not accept it from our supervisors and managers at work, and it is not ok in our union space. When we witness others being harmed, oppressed or injured, we can intervene in safe and effective ways before, during, or after a harassing or violent situation.

In this 3-hour workshop, learn and practice how to intervene.

At the Bargaining Table Module 1 & Module 2

May 3 - 4, 2025 | CUPE Sydney Area office, Sydney, Nova Scotia | English
This workshop gives bargaining committee members the training they need, when they need it, so they can get the best deal possible for their members. It is delivered by the national servicing rep and happens in stages throughout negotiations. The workshop explores how to work effectively in caucus, as well as at the bargaining table.

NOTE: This workshop is for bargaining committee members.

LET - Financial Essentials

May 3, 2025 | Best Western Plus Bridgewater Hotel, Cookville, Nova Scotia | English
This workshop is for all members in an elected position within the local union. Whether you are a trustee or a member of the executive, learning about the basics of the local union’s finances is a priority. In this workshop, you will learn about your duties regarding the finances of the union, budgeting and how to be transparent and accountable to members. 

NOTE: This workshop is a pre-requisite for Secretary-Treasurers and Trustees wishing to take LET - Financial Officers.

LET - Financial Officers

May 4, 2025 | Best Western Plus Bridgewater Hotel, Cookville, Nova Scotia | English
Following the completion of LET - Financial Essentials, this 6-hour workshop allows Secretary-treasurers and Trustees to delve deeper into local finances.

Secretary-treasures will learn how to use the CUPE electronic ledger, manage the local union's funds and accounts, and prepare reports to the membership and the trustees.

Trustees will learn how to properly perform an audit of the local union's books, accounts, properties, and assets. At the end of this workshop, Trustees will be able to make recommendations to the local union to improve the local union's financial health.

NOTE: Please bring a laptop, if possible.

Introduction to Stewarding - Part 1 (OLS)

May 5, 2025 | ONLINE, Ontario | English
What does a CUPE steward do? If you are a new steward and want to learn how to help CUPE members solve workplace problems, this introductory online workshop is for you!

Note: After you have completed this course, remember to sign up for Part 2 to get the Intro to Stewarding stamp in your passport. You will need this to take any of the courses in the Steward Learning Series.

Steward Learning Series

May 5 - 6, 2025 | Online via Zoom - MB, Online, Manitoba | English
Sessions offered are:
- Introduction to Stewarding - Part 1
- Introduction to Stewarding - Part 2

Mental Health First Aid

May 7 - 8, 2025 | CUPE Sault Ste Marie Area Office, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario | English
One in three Canadians will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life. The earlier a problem is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Mental Health First Aid Canada gives people the skills to provide that early help that is so important in recovery. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved. The MHFA Canada program aims to improve mental health literacy, and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague. The program does not teach people how to be therapists. It does teach people how to Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, provide initial help.

LET - Parliamentary Procedure

May 7, 2025 | CUPE BC Regional Office, Burnaby, British Columbia | English
This workshop is about following rules of order when chairing union meetings. Learn about the role of the chair and the different elements (motions, amendments, points of order, etc.). Get a chance to put the learning into practice.

NOTE: Please bring a copy of your local bylaws to the workshop.

Words Tell All: Communicating in an age of deception

May 9, 2025 | CUPE Victoria Area Office, Victoria, British Columbia | English
A Hungarian proverb states “Man was given a tongue with which to speak, and words to hide his thoughts.” In public statements, interviews, and social media, deception has become a norm in communications in our digital age. With so many mediums to convey information (and misinformation) how is someone supposed to get to the truth? The language of lies is distinctly different from the language of truth. It has become vitally important for individuals from all walks of life and professionals in any field to learn the intricacies of detecting deception.

This highly interactive session uses high profile media cases to illustrate the signs of deceit. From politicians to celebrities, athletes to criminals, patterns of deception become clear when one understands the subtleties of speech. We use language not only to cloak what we don't want others to know, and even use it to convince ourselves of the lies we tell.

The key to being a highly effective communicator is having a keen sense of awareness as to what words reveal. If we can learn to understand the signals that people are sending us, we can decipher them and get to the real meaning of an issue. Most importantly, we learn to ask the right questions and listen for the right answers.

LET - Essentials for Inclusive Unions

May 10, 2025 | CUPE New Glasgow Area office, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia | English
As activists in our unions, we often ask why members are not more involved. This workshop asks a different question: Who is involved and who isn't and what might be some reasons why? How might our unconscious biases contribute to this? How can we represent members in a way that invites those on the margins to get involved and to see the union as place where they want to make a difference?

At the Bargaining Table - Module 3 & Module 4

May 10, 2025 | CUPE Sydney Area office, Sydney, Nova Scotia | English
This workshop gives bargaining committee members the training they need, when they need it, so they can get the best deal possible for their members. It is delivered by the national servicing rep and happens in stages throughout negotiations. The workshop explores how to work effectively in caucus, as well as at the bargaining table.

NOTE: This workshop is for bargaining committee members.

LET - Bylaw Essentials

May 11, 2025 | CUPE New Glasgow Area office, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia | English
Good bylaws are an essential component of a well-functioning local. In this workshop, you will learn the principles of good bylaws and how to make sure they are in compliance with CUPE's national constitution. We'll also look at how clear language bylaws help our members get involved in the work of the union.

NOTE: Please bring your local bylaws to the workshop.

Financial Essentials and Financial Officers

May 12 - 13, 2025 | CUPE Sault Ste Marie Area Office, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario | English | $20 (Affiliate) | $40 (Non-affiliate)
Financial Essentials and Financial Officers

Introduction to Stewarding - Part 1 & 2 (OLS)

May 12, 2025 | ONLINE, British Columbia | English
9:00 am to 12:00 pm (Pacific)
Introduction to Stewarding - Part 1 (OLS)

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (Pacific)
Introduction to Stewarding - Part 2 (OLS)

LET - Recording Secretaries

May 14 - 15, 2025 | CUPE Ottawa Area Office, Ottawa, Ontario | English
Recording Secretaries play a vital role in keeping local unions strong.
Learn how to:
• take clear and accurate meeting minutes;
• organize files;
• process and write correspondence; and
• communicate effectively with members.

NOTE: Please bring your local bylaws, sample meeting notices, sample membership meeting minutes and a laptop or tablet (if you have one) to the workshop.

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