NEW YORK, NY – A newly formed local union education committee hit the ground running at Local 2325, the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys. Representing nearly 4,000 legal services workers in New York, this amalgamated local is building out its already robust educational program.

As a first initiative, the education committee, supported by Local Union Discussion Leaders (LUDLs) Naomi Schachter and Brenden Ross, launched a set of Effective Educator workshops for officers, bargaining committee members, and shop stewards.

Driven by the principle that education is power, the committee set out to maximize participation. They emphasized that the value of this training extends well beyond facilitation practice. The knowledge and tools participants gain also apply to a wide range of leadership situations, including navigating challenging meetings and guiding strategic conversations. Familiarity with the popular education model also strengthens members’ ability to share knowledge clearly and effectively in everyday communication.

That message resonated, and seats filled quickly. As a result, 35 participants from 15 bargaining units deepened their local capacity. For Leigh-Anna Nielsen, a newly elected bargaining committee member from Mobilization for Justice, the training opened up a new approach.

As that unit heads into bargaining later this year, they’ll be doing so with strengthened skills and heightened confidence, positioning them well for the work ahead.