A second cohort of UE activists began meeting in January, over Zoom, as part of UE’s Leadership and Staff Development Program (LSDP). As approved by delegates at UE’s last convention, UE embarked on the LSDP to strengthen skills and provide mentorship to members of all racial and ethnic backgrounds who are currently underrepresented in UE leadership or staff. 

This year’s group was welcomed to the program by Secretary-Treasurer Andrew Dinkelaker and Delores Phillips, president of Local 1118 and participant in the first LSDP cohort, which concluded last fall. Phillips expressed that the program had built her confidence as a union leader, and she hoped the new group would take advantage of the different opportunities they would be offered.

The program is designed to last a full year to provide a range of experiences and educational workshops. The extended period of time also builds camaraderie among the group.

The 2023 cohort includes members from seven different locals across five states, including a participant from one of our newest UE locals, Local 1466. This group is predominantly women.

In the first meeting, members discussed goals of the program as well as their own goals for participating. They also discussed UE’s vision and principles as outlined in the UE booklet “Them and Us Unionism.” [1] Participants expressed a desire to learn more about UE to bring back to their local members.