Worker Organizing
The LERC’s Education Programs provide hundreds of hours of training opportunities to thousands of leaders across Washington. The LERC regularly brings together members playing diverse roles—from stewards to contract action team members, to members who don’t yet have a role—and gives them a common toolbox of tactics to wage effective campaigns. Through regular training sessions, members become equipped with concepts and practical tools to go back to their areas, host informative meetings, and support the development of new organizers and leaders.
Educational Approach and Philosophy
The Center prides itself on doing adult education differently. Educating union members cannot be done through a top-down process. While many educators see their role as “handing down” information, LERC Educators are steeped in the tradition of “Popular Education” methodologies, which emphasize drawing out the knowledge of the participants, and facilitating their own synthesis and knowledge building. In LERC classes, we share best practices from across the labor movement and make space for union members to add their own experiences, ideas, and aspirations. In addition to making our classes much richer, they also help to build up the union as a body of active, empowered leaders, rather than passive followers.
When the WA LERC works with partners, it holds consultation sessions with the union to examine the union’s specific training needs and decide what training sessions will be offered and when. Together, they will co-create the program to ensure that the curriculum meets the unique needs of union members and a programming schedule that is accessible to the most members. For each training module, WA LERC will provide materials for the union to use, including slideshows, facilitation guides, worksheets, and more. These materials will enable union staff and leaders to develop leadership capacity in their own areas.
Educational Offerings
