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 data and how it can be used to build an effective union. 

Presenters: Ada Martinez, NYSUT Member Organizer, Headquarters; Megan O’Brien, NYSUT Organizing Manager, Headquarters

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 structure, the functionality of that leadership, and how to identify future leaders, using internal organizing tools, to bring them into the fold of the organization.

Presenters: Mark Dwyer, Labor Relations Specialist, Mid-Hudson Regional Office; Moriah Olsen, Labor Relations Specialist, Tarrytown Regional Office

Building on the review of their preassessment, participants will identify specific issues that they are looking to address and create SMART goals around those issues. Issues will be evaluated to make sure they align with the local’s mission, vision, and values.

Presenters: Mark Dwyer, Labor Relations Specialist, Mid-Hudson Regional Office; Moriah Olsen, Labor Relations Specialist, Tarrytown Regional Office

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 cover developing your brand. 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.

Presenters: James Morrison, NYSUT Director of Communications; Ben Amey, Media Relations Representative, Communications; Anna Gronewold, NYSUT Deputy Director of Communications

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: Mark Dwyer, Labor Relations Specialist, Mid-Hudson Regional Office; Moriah Olsen, Labor Relations Specialist, Tarrytown Regional Office

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. A focus will be on running school board campaigns and developing relationships with school board members. 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 NY Regional Office, Emily Goldsmith, Regional Political Organizer, Rochester Regional Office

In this session, year 3 LAP locals will share their experiences, lessons learned, and best practices with first- and second-year LAP Locals. 

Basket Drawing

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

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

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: Carrie Andrews, NYSUT Director of Constituency & Program Services; Jeff Lockwood, NYSUT CFO, Director of Finance

Wrapping up this week at LAP, you will learn what to expect during the

upcoming year and at the next summer LAP Training in 2026.

Presenters: Christine Sarni, Labor Relations Specialist, Nassau Regional Office; Steven Lagnena, Labor Relations Specialist, Suffolk Regional Office