Some Things to Expect at your First UALE Summer School Experience- From Gail Rodgers

For new sisters attending the UALE Summer School for the first time: here are some helpful hints from alumna Gail Rogers. She was the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1-S, RWDSU-UFCW, which represents the employees of Macy's in Herald Square, Parkchester, Queens and White Plains. She was involved in her union for 35 years as a shop steward, Executive Board Member, Business Agent, and an Officer. She first attended Summer School in 2002 at the invite of Ida Torres, a teacher at summer school and the President of Local 3, a sister union, and has attended several other UALE Summer schools with other members of her union.
"[The UALE Summer School] was a wonderful experience. I met some wonderful women and made some lifelong friends. What I discovered over those years was that when I first attended most of the women were staff or business agents in their union, There were very few officers. In the last year I attended the amount of women officers had increased quite a bit. That was great progress. I believe that summer school gave the women the confidence and knowledge to realize that they had a lot to offer their unions and that they could hold officer positions. Summer School gave these women the opportunity to meet other women who shared their problems and concerns and the ability to discuss possible solutions. For most, the nervousness of meeting new people and of the unknown only lasts a short time. Everyone there is there to learn and obtain new skills to do their jobs better. There is a bonding that takes place. The teachers make everyone feel comfortable, It is an experience that I wish more women had the opportunity to take part in. I am quite pleased at the amount of communication and promotion that has gone into this year’s Summer School. Hope it is well attended and successful. How can it not, It is run by Women." Gail sends the 130+ sisters attending the school this year her best regards.