Video thanks to Tanya Hutchins (IAM), CLUW Media and Technologies Committee

On November 29th the National Executive Board voted to hold the 20th Biennial Convention from October 15-18, 2019 at the Tropicana Las Vegas – A Doubletree by Hilton hotel and designated the theme as “SNAP: Coming Together to Change the World!” The first day will be one of interactive workshops designed to further CLUW’s work in preparation for the 2020 elections and to build CLUW as a force of women in labor.  Please see the flier here with basic information and check back for more details as they become available.

In prioritizing CLUW’s growth, the NEB voted to charter the Grand Prairie/Arlington Texas chapter (see photo). Welcome aboard!!

President Bryant opened the session by challenging the over 100 delegates and observers from throughout the country to FEAR: Face Everything and Rise!  She spoke about the amazing election results for women including that 14 women were elected to the Senate and 102 to the House; 45 women of color were elected for the first time; the first woman senator from Tennessee was elected and two first time Native American sisters and two first time Latina sisters from Texas were elected; youngest woman elected to Congress; first Muslim women; first woman senator from Arizona, out and bisexual; 589 women ran for office. She concluded with,   “This victory is ours – we did this, it was our hard work!”  See the full presentation above.

Holding charter, Interim Chapter President Pauline Mims (UAW) with Pres. Bryant and Marquetta Hawkins and Sheila Penny

On Friday, November 30, 2018 over a hundred CLUW members and supporters gathered at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix, Arizona for a one-day SNAP: Sisters Not Afraid of Power – Building for the Future Conference. This powerful conference gave attendees the chance to choose from comprehensive workshops to expand their skills and knowledge regarding chapter and state finances, constitutional compliance, building better chapters, or the union’s role in addressing sexual misconduct.

The first workshop choice was mandatory for all chapter and state officers attending the conference and was broken into two parts. The first section covered financial responsibilities and was timed to provide assistance to CLUW leadership prior to mandatory annual reporting. It was formulated by National Treasurer Judy Beard (APWU) and facilitated by Marilyn Wiley (OPEIU), Sec. APWU Legislative and Political Dept. with support by national vice presidents Karen Bellamy Lewis (IFPTE) and Rachel Walthall (APWU). New York City Chapter President Rhonna Bonsu (AFSCME) found the presentation highly valuable stating “we need this at every NEB and convention.” The section on constitutional requirements was taught by CLUW National Vice President Rhonda Rogers (IAMAW) and Mary Halford (NALC) found it “extremely useful for those hoping to start a new chapter.”

Lisa Blake, CLUW National Vice President (OPEIU), conducted a workshop on best practices for building stronger CLUW chapters and increasing membership.  Angela Dulaney (UAW) said of the workshop, “Lisa Blake was phenomenal. She was very engaging and included everyone. Best information and instruction in a long time.”

The last option titled “The Union's Role in Addressing Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Sexual Harassment” was led by CLUW National Vice President (USW) Janet Hill and Mary Jo O’Neill, Regional Attorney of the EEOC Phoenix District Office.  Karen Magee (AFT) loved that the workshop “had real scenarios to facilitate the sharing of the information” which made for “a great learning experience.”

Overall attendees reported that they are excited to apply their new knowledge back at their chapters. These new skills are sure to help CLUW organize internally and expand our impact in the greater community.

Sexual Harassment Workshop: Janet Hill front with participants