Organizing Institute participants, from left: PJ Saenz, Charlotte Stevens, Ivan Pereda, Q Thompson and Steve Gallow
In late September, a group of five Organizing Stewards from IBEW Local 1245 participated in the AFL-CIO’s Organizing Institute, which took place in Sacramento.
This specialized training focuses on the principles of union organizing and is designed to improve skills related to leadership and committee-building, employer campaigns, issue campaigns and mapping/charting, with a heavy emphasis on communication. Longtime Organizing Steward Ivan Pereda helped lead the training, and was joined by fellow Organizing Stewards Steve Gallow, Laquania “Q” Thompson, Charlotte Stevens and PJ Saenz.
“The training was not only informative, but also empowering,” said Charlotte Stevens. “I enjoyed the opportunity to role-play during each exercise, giving us the ability to immediately put into action the topic we just learned. The Organizing Institute has given me structure and tools for the work I am performing. I truly feel confident and equipped to face the upcoming challenges.”