Peace out....
Bermuda Girl....
Feel the love......
Location:UMass - Amherst
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
So here we are...a "FREE" night! I am so thankful. It gives me a chance to step away and reflect on what I have seen, what I have heard, what I have felt, and what I have learned.
I had no expectations because I honestly didn't know what to expect! I have been surprised at every turn. I drove 6 hours to get here and all the while wondering what it would be like and feeling a little overwhelmed and intimidated. I don't feel that way anymore. I have never felt so welcome by a group of people in my life. There are no walls and no boundries' We are all accepted. No matter our profession, union, religion, etc. We all matter and we all make a difference.
I have seen friendships be born right before my eyes. I have heard intimate details of lives that were painful, but shared anyways....making me know that I am not alone. I have felt, above all else, equality and acceptance. And there isn't enough space here to tell you what I have learned over the last few days....I have brain overload! But that is why I came here. To learn about things that I could take back to my fellow sisters in my area. And you know... the classes are wonderful but the most valuable things that I have learned here were not from the classes. I cannot wait to go back and tell my fellow sisters that we are not alone. We are not fighting this fight by ourselves. There are women from all walks of life that feel and think the way that we do. That want a better world for our children. That want better working conditions. That want equal wages to mens. That want the sexual harrassment to stop. That want our employers to be fair. I could go on and on, but I know you know what I am talking about.
We are powerful women, but even more powerful together! I am glad that I have had this opportunity to be a part of this. I will go back to my little world with a different outlook on life. A much better outlook...Thank you ladies....you are all amazing to me!
Midge Guererri
CSEA
I had no expectations because I honestly didn't know what to expect! I have been surprised at every turn. I drove 6 hours to get here and all the while wondering what it would be like and feeling a little overwhelmed and intimidated. I don't feel that way anymore. I have never felt so welcome by a group of people in my life. There are no walls and no boundries' We are all accepted. No matter our profession, union, religion, etc. We all matter and we all make a difference.
I have seen friendships be born right before my eyes. I have heard intimate details of lives that were painful, but shared anyways....making me know that I am not alone. I have felt, above all else, equality and acceptance. And there isn't enough space here to tell you what I have learned over the last few days....I have brain overload! But that is why I came here. To learn about things that I could take back to my fellow sisters in my area. And you know... the classes are wonderful but the most valuable things that I have learned here were not from the classes. I cannot wait to go back and tell my fellow sisters that we are not alone. We are not fighting this fight by ourselves. There are women from all walks of life that feel and think the way that we do. That want a better world for our children. That want better working conditions. That want equal wages to mens. That want the sexual harrassment to stop. That want our employers to be fair. I could go on and on, but I know you know what I am talking about.
We are powerful women, but even more powerful together! I am glad that I have had this opportunity to be a part of this. I will go back to my little world with a different outlook on life. A much better outlook...Thank you ladies....you are all amazing to me!
Midge Guererri
CSEA
Open space
Our open space discussions were emotional, direct and spot on! Especially the knowledge about how to hold the microphone...lol. Really these discussions encouraged communications and getting involved surrounding the passions that exist in all of us. We got to get involved in creating a movement for sisters to do something , to start something, we all want something more in our work in our life in our world. It gave me a sense that the women in this conference are really rising and reaching out to sisters around them to create a great movement.
I Love Union Summer School
I am the only woman in my workgroup. sometimes I don't feel on the same page or agenda of some of the women in power in our union. So I returned to summer school, anticipating the feeling of renewal I would get. I feel an immediate sense of release as I unpack my bags checking at the schedule put before me. Breakfast at seven, Dang, I knew these sistahs were'nt playing
. Well first off, I got sistah Ida Torres and Amy Dietz for leadership, yea! I know I will get what I need to push me forward because I am a worker with leadership capabilities ready to soak up the knowledge of my sistahs!
Open space exchange
Today we are going to do Open Space Exchange. I believe this is an excellent way to discuss issues not previously addressed. It's also a way for those who are not always speaking to have their voices heard. Like an organizing tool. Open ideas will be flowing can't wait to see what comes of it! Excited!
Solidarity 4 ever
The Flynn Sisters
My leadership skills class lead by the marvelous sisters, Angela and Sarah has been wonderful. The women in my class are smart, funny, and bring to the class many diverse perspectives that we can all learn from. The first day we found out what our leadership styles were, the majority of the class were analytical with only a few drivers! Now don't go thinking that these exercise findings mean that we don't have any of the shared characteristics of the amiable and expressive styles!!
An engaging experience...
I'm going into day three of my Popular Education course and have decided that I am not going to try and define Popular Education, which seems confusing but rather, understand it as a verb, "educating for change" as explained by Sue one of our instructors. The techniques we are learning don't define what Popular Education is, they show us how to best engage learners. Phew!!!
Monday, July 30, 2012
DOLLAR AND SENSE
During this amazing three day
workshop( Dollar and Sense)we were able to be informed of some important topics like keeping a
budget, handling financial decisions, credit cards, debt, bankruptcy and many
more.
Establishing financial goals was
the main topic that I believe Professor and fellow sister Lillian Clayman
wanted us to take home. We were highly adviced to pay attention to where our
money goes. Awareness is key to be able to control spending habits.
In this class we were able to
understand the difference between the different type credit cards that are
available to all of us and how we as consumers are making poor judgment daily
due to lack of knowledge. Sometimes you think you know it all and then “BANG” you
realized that maybe there is always a lot more others know about money that you
don’t know. Thanks to the participation of the sisters in the class I was able
to learn a lot. I appreciated the stories, examples and common knowledge many
of you shared. It really did make a big difference. This class was incredible,
fun and interactive.
I must say that what I got the
most out of this class was that money does matter and I have to be a better
steward with what God has given me.
I’m grateful I took this workshop
and would like to share a few links the professor Clayman share with us in
class.
In deed there are many
"financial planning" websites. Many are sponsored by financial
services companies who would like to sell their products. A lot of the
information that they provide is helpful. However, it is more helpful to go to
a website that is product neutral.
1) www.wiserwomen.org - Women's Institute for a Secure Retiremen
2) www.ftc.gov
- Federal Trade Commission, click on "consumer Protection" and scroll
down to "Other Publications. Scroll over the left side menu for a plethora
of topics.
3) www.socialsecurity.gov
- Social Security Administration
4) www.finra.org
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Click on "Investors". You
can use this site for research and education. This site also allows you to
research your broker. Remember, only those licensed to buy and sell securities
will be on this site. While an insurance agent may put themselves forward as a
financial advisor,they will not be on this site unless they are also licensed
with FINRA.
5) www.naic.org
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Click on "consumer
resources." You can also click on your home state site.
6) www.charitywatch.org
- before you contribute to a charity, you may want to see how much actually
goes to the cause you care about.
Sisters I hope these above
websites can help you find more information on money and sense. I hope that it
helps you and leads you to financial freedom.
In Solidarity,
Julia Portillo
Courage to Change
Today I saw my life completely
through new eyes with such clarity that I didn’t see before. For much of my adult life, I have been seeking
ways to grow and be a great contributor to society. As a Union member I have been
introduced to new ideas and have been given many opportunities to grow. This is
why I believe in our family of UNIONS. I strongly believe that we do work best
together. Thus far I feel that all the classes have given me a better guide to
be influential and learn from many women that made history. This week I have
learned more about the Bread and Roses Strike. My leadership class was named
after Rose Scheiderman. I am amazed to know how much courage she had. She was a
great advocate for many women and eventually helped shape our labor movement.
I believe that no matter where we are in life, this seminars will help all of us go back home and reflect what permanent change we want to see in our lives and our unions.
I believe that no matter where we are in life, this seminars will help all of us go back home and reflect what permanent change we want to see in our lives and our unions.
It's pretty scary when you sit
down and think about it. It takes COURAGE to make a difference. I will be
grateful to all the mentors that have contributed passionately to this year’s UALE
summer school. Thank you for helping me find the COURAGE to change and make no
excuses to not be GREAT!
“Courage is resistance of fear, mastery
of fear, not absence of fear.” ~ Mark Twain
"One man(Woman) with courage is a
majority". ~ Thomas Jefferson
"Courage is the most important of
all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue
consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently
without courage”. ~Maya Angelou
In solidarity,
Julia Portillo
First night of summer school
As first time attendees, all we can say us WOW! So much
information already. As sister Julia Portillo and I talked today we both hit a
common ground. She said the one thing that remained with her from opening night
was something Ida said” Don’t just climb up the ladder of success by yourself,
but help other sisters come up with you”. That also struck me!
I ended up here on a scholarship from the Women's Committee at
our region level. One of the reasons I wanted to come here was to
gain knowledge and information to bring back to my fellow union members. It is
true that knowledge is POWER!
We are both very excited to learn more about the different roles we play and how much impact we can make if we can stick together in solidarity. We are here to commit to make a difference and create a life we both absolutely love! We have learned so much already and look forward to the next few days of empowerment.
We are both very excited to learn more about the different roles we play and how much impact we can make if we can stick together in solidarity. We are here to commit to make a difference and create a life we both absolutely love! We have learned so much already and look forward to the next few days of empowerment.
By:
Midge Guererri
Do you know who I am?
If I could have only been working with the blog in my life-time! Do you know who I am?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
I think we are off to a good start here at Union Space Camp for Women. We have a great, lively group in the Mother Jones Leadership skills class, and two really approachable, engaging instructors.
But HA!-This blogger has still not done her homework. It’s too easy to procrastinate when there are so many good conversations to have and networking to do. I thought about posting video from chorus rehearsal, but I think it’s better for you to be surprised when we serenade you at fun night.
I’ve been thinking a lot about power today—how much power women have: the power to bring life into the world, the power to influence children, empowering each other. Also, many of us have this persistent drive to fix the world. When I come to workshops and do professional development, I allow myself to fantasize that someday all workers will exercise our collective mega-power and demand what we deserve. But I have to snap out of it and think that any difference we make, or any improvement we secure-- no matter how small—must be celebrated. OK. That’s enough, I’ve got to do that worksheet or Annetta will surely kick my butt.
... there are no limits to which powers of privilege will not go to keep the workers in slavery. ~Mother Jones
The Birth of an Activist
Amy here from the Long Island Federation of Labor, a central labor council in New York. I became involved in the labor movement about ten years ago when a group of farmworkers fighting for humane working conditions sought a partnership with my chuch. Together we organized a coalition that brought the largest restaurant chain in the world to accept responsiblity for human rights abuses in their supply chain. More on how we did that coming soon...
Amy here from the Long Island Federation of Labor, a central labor council in New York. I became involved in the labor movement about ten years ago when a group of farmworkers fighting for humane working conditions sought a partnership with my chuch. Together we organized a coalition that brought the largest restaurant chain in the world to accept responsiblity for human rights abuses in their supply chain. More on how we did that coming soon...
Amazing Recording - Sisters
Hi Sisters
I hope everyone is having a fundamental time at the Northeast Regional Summer School for Union Women in Ahmest Massachusetts. I look forward to attending next years summer school.
In Solidarity
Annette
Hi, Terry here, just hanging out at Summer School. Been with AFSCME Local 2596 since 1993. The union has offered me many opportunities that I wouldn't have if it weren't for the union.
Local 2596 is here to answer any questions that you may have on the new contract books that were just delivered to you. If you did not get a book, let me know and I will see that you get one.
Local 2596 is here to answer any questions that you may have on the new contract books that were just delivered to you. If you did not get a book, let me know and I will see that you get one.
This BEE doesn't sting unless swatted!!
I have always had a busy life juggling many interests all at once and watching as each new event either ends or transforms while waiting for the next adventure to unfold. Being involved in union work came easy as it also keeps me a "Busy Bee" with human issues and rights as a worker who continues to juggle union activities, education, and organizing involvement. Becoming an activist was as simple as being asked to. It has empowered me with information to make better decisions and assist others in finding their own inner strength through empowerment.
Back in 1980 before I became Wilde
Hi, I am Wendy and this is my first experience at the NE Union Women's Summer School and I am having a fantastic time! I am the newly elected treasurer of the Professional Staff Union (PSU) at UMass Amherst and am excited to take back what I learn here to my sisters and brothers.
My first union experience was way back in 1980 when I attended my first membership meeting for the University Staff Association (USA) on campus. I worked in an all woman office and was empowered to get involved and stand up for yourself and others!!
My first union experience was way back in 1980 when I attended my first membership meeting for the University Staff Association (USA) on campus. I worked in an all woman office and was empowered to get involved and stand up for yourself and others!!
Sisters
My name is Jeanne Collins. I am the NYSUT/Hempstead Schools Civil Service Associate (HSCSA) President. I became involved in my union to gain respect for the members from administration and to move the union forward. This is my first time at Summer School. I am having a fantastic time here at UMass (learning and meeting new people. I hope to bring alot of information back to my members. I also hope to attend SUMMER SCHOOL next year. :)
Welcome to Summer School from AFSCME LOCAL1776 UMASS AMHERST
I became involved in the union not because I was a die hard unionist but because management made their own policy per day per event per person.I also felt that union representation was slow to respond.The fact was there we few union leaders and many problems.I knew I could help myself and others if only I knew how and what our contract was.
REALLY I KNEW I WAS THE UNION AS EACH OF US ARE AND EACH CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!!
I became involved in the union not because I was a die hard unionist but because management made their own policy per day per event per person.I also felt that union representation was slow to respond.The fact was there we few union leaders and many problems.I knew I could help myself and others if only I knew how and what our contract was.
REALLY I KNEW I WAS THE UNION AS EACH OF US ARE AND EACH CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!!
I am the new Summer School video blogger.....
Lookout sisters.....
I have already gotten a jewel from my blogging class that cannot be matched....
Video blogging........
Yes....
No more typing.....
My prayers have been answered.....
My summer school journey will now be viral and you can share.....
Hold on....
Buckle up.....
Video blogging......
Peace out....
Bermuda Girl....
Feel the love.....
Linda, Donna and Amy
This Summer School has started with having a "Sister" by the name of Linda to help me creating a blogging account.
Thank you Amy and Donna for removing fog about the blog. Yahoo
Thank you Amy and Donna for removing fog about the blog. Yahoo
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Blogging for summer school
This year we will be blogging about
Summer School and creating an online newsletter. Your Leadership Skills instructors will
share information about the blog and each LS class will elect/appoint a
blogger. Bloggers will meet every day
during lunch with either Amy or Donna to review assignments and discuss blog
content. You will need a laptop or smart
phone to blog.
Monday, July 16, 2012
The 37th UALE Northeast Summer School for Union Women will be starting on July 28th, less than two weeks away! The 2012 School will be hosted by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus. The theme is The rising of The Women: Organizing for Bread and Roses Today, in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Bread and Roses strike.
I'm looking forward to co-teaching the blogging workshop with Amy Dietz. And excited about seeing old and new friends. Here's a photo from last year's school. It's from the Challenge to Collective Bargaining panel, which got everybody fired up. Adia is asking our panel questions about the attack on public sector workers, while Benita gets ready for her turn.
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