In this session we will review the basics of transactional and transformational leadership to help you shift your local from a servicing model to an organizing model. We will model and discuss best practices for collection and storage of membership data and its use in internal organizing and building an effective union.  We will identify ways to use member data for identifying and targeting potential leaders with a focus on engaging the new generation of member leaders.

Presenters: Christine Sarni, Labor Relations Specialist, Nassau Regional Office; Paul Aroune, Labor Relations Specialist, Western New York Regional Office

Is the structure of your current leadership effective?  Does your current model serve you well in the 21^st century?  Will your current structure serve your LAP initiatives?  In this workshop participants will examine their current leadership, the functionality of that leadership, and how to identify future leaders to bring them into the fold of the organization.

Presenters: Mark Dwyer, Labor Relations Specialist, Mid-Hudson Regional Office, Loren Fountaine, Labor Relations Specialist, North Country Regional Office

Most of the governance structures in place in NYSUT local unions have changed very little in the last 50 years.  Participants in this workshop will examine their formal and informal structure to analyze how effective their current governance structure in and whether changes need to be made to reflect the goals and missions of their local union.  Effective meeting techniques will also be discussed.

Presenters: Paul Csont, Labor Relations Specialist, Western New York Regional Office; Damon Levenstien, Labor Relations Specialist, Suffolk Regional Office; Mark Dwyer, Labor Relations Specialist, Mid-Hudson Regional Office

Your brand is more than a logo or colors. Branding is a collection of visuals and words representing your union and can immediately help convey your mission, vision and values to your members and the outside world. In this session, we cover the basics of branding. How to create a brand that is unique to your union and serves to guide and unite your members. We'll also discuss the best process for rebranding.

Presenter: James Morrison, NYSUT Director of Communications

This workshop will help members dissect and understand the political landscape in their region. Locals will learn how to develop systems, structures, and plans to become more politically involved and effective in local, state, and national advocacy and electoral campaigns. We will review the process of setting-up legislative and political action committees, endorsement processes, and a Vote-Cope drive to prepare your local for future political and issues campaigns.

Presenters: Louisa Pacheco, Regional Political Organizer, Western New York Regional Office, Peter Kim, Regional Political Organizer, NYSUT Headquarters

Participants will learn the powers and limitations of their school board, address common misconceptions, and learn key differences between responsive and dismissive school boards. Locals will begin to learn tactics to identify and recruit candidates for their school board and how to build and maintain relationships with existing school board members.

Presenters: Ian Phillips, Regional Political Organizer, Central New York Regional Office, Emiljana Ulaj, Regional Political Organizer, Tarrytown Regional Office

This session will analyze the differences between community service and community engagement.  Locals will have the opportunity to identify community groups coupled with conducting an inventory of engagement opportunities with these groups.  Participants will assess the best ways to grow relations to build a shared vision with the community. 

Presenters: Steve Lagnena, Labor Relations Specialist, Suffolk Regional Office; Randy Gunther, Labor Relations Specialist, Central New York Regional Office

This workshop will feature a panel of community advocates who have partnered with our local unions.  The panel will include presenters from the following areas:  community schools, social justice, faith-based organizations, parent-teacher organizations, and environmental groups.  Teams will be given time to interact with each presenter.

Presenter: Alithia Rodriguez-Rolon, NYSUT Director of Legislation

Learn how to promote racial and social justice, increase cultural awareness, and create a more inclusive environment for your local, district, and community.

The goal is to bridge cultural divides and make our locals, schools, and communities more welcoming for people of all abilities and backgrounds, by helping participants see beyond their own personal world view.  

Presenters: Wayne White, NYSUT Director of Social Justice; Samantha Rini, Social Justice Specialist; Eric Jones, NJEA

Developing a proper communications plan can be one of the best ways to save yourself time and effort while also doing a better job at communicating with your members and the general public. In this session, we will go over what a successful communications plan can look like, how to set one up that best fulfills your objectives without overwhelming you. We will also touch on some of the best practices for specific communications channels, such as email newsletter and social media.

Presenters: James Morrison, NYSUT Director of Communications; Ben Amey and Emily Allen, Media Relations Representatives, Communications; Jessica Smith, AFT

Participants will use the materials and ideas they have formulated throughout the week to create Gant Charts, timelines and or calendars to further organize their strategic plan.  Using these tools, participants will be able to evaluate their strategic plan to ensure maximum participation, appropriate budgeting and an achievable schedule of tasks and events.

Presenter: Moriah Olsen, Labor Relations Specialist, Tarrytown Regional Office

In this session, we will review the new system to help your LAP team resource your LAP plan.  We will review the worksheets and discuss best practices when thinking about your resource requests.

Presenters: Jennifer Kaseman, NYSUT Director of Constituencies and Program Services; Jeff Lockwood, NYSUT CFO, Director of Finance