Regional Organizing Steward Trainings Mark Continued Growth and Leadership in Our Union

This year, the IBEW 1245 Organizing Team took a new approach to our summer Organizing Steward Training by breaking them into smaller regional sessions. This marks the third time we’ve implemented this format to increase recruitment and participation by making the training more accessible for members who may not be able to travel to our union hall in Vacaville. It also provided an important first opportunity for many of our new members to meet the organizing team and build relationships through meaningful one-on-one engagement. 

As part of our leadership development efforts, we empowered our Organizing Leads to take charge of these trainings—from selecting venues and organizing food to drafting full agendas. In total, we hosted five regional trainings in San Leandro, Modesto, Fresno, Sacramento, and Reno. Each training day was structured into two parts:  

• Training Segment: A concise overview of organizing principles and the role of organizing stewards. 
• Networking Mixer: A space for members to connect, share experiences, and build community. 

Our Organizing Leads rose to the occasion and took pride in facilitating these events. Their preparation, initiative, and execution blew us away. The recruitment outcomes were impressive, with several of the regional trainings seeing more than half of their participants as new members and first-time attendees to a union event. Our members’ years of service ranged from just four months of service to veterans with over 25 years of service, as well as retirees. Together we celebrated recent wins, discussed ongoing challenges, and re-committed our stewards to collective action. 

The most common feedback from new members was that they hadn’t realized how much work happens behind the scenes to ensure our members are in the best possible position to succeed—whether that’s at the bargaining table, in the field, or within their communities.

Our leads wrapped up the day asking our attendees to sign up to become Organizing Stewards. While becoming an Organizing Steward can feel intimidating at first, they emphasized the importance of starting small by getting involved in just one thing at a time. Through exposure, training, and mentorship, we all grow stronger together.

I felt a deep sense of pride watching our Leads facilitate these trainings. Our local’s continued investment in membership engagement and training is clearly paying off. From just 28 Organizing Stewards in 2014 to 124 today, it’s no surprise our program has earned national recognition from labor organizations across the country. 

A heartfelt thank you to our Organizing Leads for pouring their heart, time, and passion into making these events a success. We’re excited to gather again soon as we gear up for the next election cycle—ready to hit the ground running. Fired up, Ready to go!

-Rene Cruz Martinez, Assistant Business Manager/Organizer

Seeing how many new faces attended these trainings is proof to me that our organizing steward leads don’t just approach their roles seriously, but that they are successful leaders among their peers.

-Rick Thompson, IBEW 1245 Staff Organizer

At each event, our lead organizing stewards displayed their skills as leaders and organizers as they successfully engaged other stewards and recruited members.  Their passion for organizing showed in their ability to weave information and entertainment together throughout the training.  Great job!

-Charlotte Stevens, IBEW 1245 Staff Organizer

I’m inspired by how our Leads step into their roles with so much heart and dedication. These trainings aren’t just about learning; they’re about building relationships and growing the next generation of leaders who will keep our union strong for decades to come.

-Melissa Echeverria, IBEW 1245 Staff Organizer

Below are photos from each of the regional trainings. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make them a success!

 

 

 

–Rene Cruz Martinez, Assistant Business Manager/Organizer