After the first full day of the UALE NE Regional Summer School for Union Women, we are all quite aware that the July highs are a bit harsh. But, the heat is nothing when compared with the intensity of the passion of over 100 union sisters getting fired up for change.
As the sun and the temperature began to rise, so did our spirits as we began our classes this morning. I was impressed, almost immediately, by the welcoming and cheerful atmosphere created by our sisters here this week. It was even more pleasantly surprising to see that the warmth of our sisters persisted through, and was in fact amplified by, the immense diversity of the union membership represented at this event.
The backgrounds are speckled with various unions, races, struggles, religions, family situations, professions, and ages. With so many different experiences brought to the table, we will be able to learn so much.
So many women have come here to learn. What I think they do not realize is that they are also here to teach. Even though their knowledge is not perfect, so many of our sisters are paving the way for increased awareness and understanding of union involvement in their respective workplaces. From reorganizing the women's committee to trying to strengthen activism in an apathetic work location, these women are already teaching others what they have come here to learn. And they are imparting knowledge that they already have to other sisters in their midst this week.
I am more than impressed. They are already fired up for change. I am talking about you. Yes, you. Now, let's continue to heat up the rest of this week to keep that fire burning hot. Not hot enough to start a factory fire, of course.
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