The Midwest School for Women Workers held its annual school this year at the Labor Center at the University of Iowa, July 23 – 27, 2019. Women from across the Midwestern states and from a variety of work, from boilermakers to health care workers, gathered this year in Iowa City. The school is organized by and workshops taught by faculty at the labor education programs associated with Midwestern universities.
We gathered to learn leadership, share stories, learn legal rights, and explore a host of skills to gain strength in the workplace. Plenary topics included women in labor history, exploring racism, and reproductive rights, while participants attended workshops on rights at the workplace, internal organizing and grievance handling. This is always a great week where women come together to share, learn and develop as leaders. Participants come away inspired and prepared to tackle workplace challenges. The school has real energy, and sisters are encouraged to come join us.
While a few of our Wisconsin sisters were present, there were not nearly enough. I strongly encourage all sisters to attend next year in Illinois. By early 2020, you can obtain information on the website of the UW-Madison School for Workers or check out the school’s Facebook page.
Alexia Kulwiec, J.D.
Associate Professor
University of Wisconsin-Madison
School for Workers