The 21st Biennial Convention of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) took place online on October 7-9, 2021. The theme for the convention was “A Vision! A Vote! A Victory!” Below, IBEW 1245 CLUW delegates share their highlights from the convention.
Keynote Speaker Fran Drescher. Photo by Valarie Moralez
My heart is completely full after attending my first CLUW Convention! The 21st Biennial CLUW Convention was more than I had imagined. We heard from Washington State Labor Council Secretary Treasurer April Sims, who spoke about her struggle growing up, and how her family’s life turned around when her mother landed her first union job. She reminded us how our unions afford us excellent wages, paid time off, medical, and so much more! Our keynote speaker was SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. She talked about how it took her eight doctors over the span of two years to determine that she had stage four uterine cancer! Her story was powerful and reminded us women to trust ourselves, and to remember that we know our bodies better than anybody else. I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to attend this outstanding Women’s conference. It’s a reminder of why I must continue spreading the word that our Union is here for us, and we need to stay involved and continue volunteering within our community!
— Valarie Moralez
It was a pleasure having the opportunity to attend the Coalition of Labor Union Women 21st Biennial Convention Virtual vis Zoom. Seeing women across the states come together as one is always a blessing to see. Elizabeth Shuler, the first woman President of the AFL-CIO, shared a powerful message … When women run for office and win, we create change! The generational opportunity is right now, and a women’s place is in her Union’s Leadership. Such powerful words spoken! Thank you again for the opportunity!
— Charlene Peele
Danielle Bonds
The 2021 Coalition of Labor Union Women Conference was so empowering and a wonderful experience. The President Of CLUW was so welcoming and energetic and I’m so excited to continue to be a part of a great women’s group. My favorite part of the three-day conference was Keynote Speaker Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA President. She encouraged us to pay attention and listen to our bodies. As women, we do so much for our families and our jobs, but we need to put our health first. I’m going to take her advice and always get a second opinion on health-related issues so I can continue to live a healthy life. I also enjoyed learning about the different resolutions and how the voting process works. I can’t wait to attend this conference again and I hope I have the opportunity to meet everyone in person soon. Thank you IBEW 1245 for allowing me to be a lead at this conference.
— Danielle Bonds
I would like to thank you guys for giving me the opportunity to attend the CLUW as an IBEW member. I learned a lot about the rules and regulations they were voting on. It got really intense, as a few members battled out their opinions with the others, but it reminded me of what we do as a union – Standing up and speaking out about what we feel is right.
— Maria Renteria
KT Turner
I really enjoyed all the guest speakers. Their stories [underscored] how women are strong minded and willing to make many sacrifices to get the issues resolved. Our vote does matter, we can make it happen! As the quote goes, “When women speak, everyone listens.” I also enjoyed my Union sister Lyn Smith — she has a great voice and some great dance moves. She kept it live.
— Kurene “KT” Turner