Region 9A Represents at Leadership Essentials Conference in Black Lake

This week, Region 9A was represented at the UAW Leadership Essentials Institute in Black Lake, Michigan, by members from Locals 405 and 571 in Connecticut, Locals 1850, 2337, 2415, and 4004 in Puerto Rico, and Locals 2325 and 7902 in New York.

The Leadership Essentials Institute is designed for current local union elected leaders, their alternates, and aspiring local union leaders who want to build a stronger union. The program offers two tracks: one for current elected leadership, and a second for future leaders.

Members from Puerto Rico said they appreciated the opportunity to connect in person with UAW members from across the country and experience the historic setting of Black Lake.

"Fue una experiencia extraordinaria tanto al conocer líderes, conocer personalmente y saludar al Director Shawn. It was an extraordinary experience both meeting leaders and personally meeting and greeting President Shawn," said Karla Rivera from Local 1850 in Carolina, Puerto Rico. "El lugar es hermoso y acogedor, el poder interactuar, crear nuevas amistades, reír y disfrutar de la calidez del ambiente ha sido hermosa y algo que llevare en mi corazon siempre. The place is beautiful and welcoming, and being able to interact, create new friendships, laugh and enjoy the warmth of the atmosphere has been beautiful and something that I will always carry in my heart."

"Ha sido una gran experiencia poder compartir experiencias con otros compañeros unionados y aprender herramientas para aplicarlas en mi Local 2337 en Puerto Rico. It has been a great experience to be able to share experiences with other union colleagues and learn tools to apply them in my Local 2337 in Puerto Rico," said Jorge Nina. "Ahora puedo contar con una familia extendida en la UAW en Estados Unidos. Gracias por todas las atenciones y ser parte de esta gran familia. Now I can count on an extended family in the UAW in the United States. Thank you for all the attention and being part of this great family."

Members from New York said the Institute prepared them to more effectively represent their fellow members.

"I’m feeling both inspired and prepared to better advocate for my union siblings back home," said Michelle McGrath of Local 2325. "The conference allowed me to forge connections with UAW leaders across the country while developing a shared vision of radical worker led organizing strategies."

"This experience was richly rewarding because it expanded my understanding of values of the UAW, which will enable me to be a much more responsible and effective delegate," said William Mckethan, also of Local 2325.

For more upcoming educational opportunities for UAW members, see our upcoming trainings and subscribe to the Region 9A newsletter.