Pride at Work Hawaii hosts LGBT Labor Leadership School to address workplace issues

HONOLULU—Pride At Work Hawaii, which advocates for full equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender workers in their workplaces and their unions, will be holding Hawaii’s first LGBT Labor Leadership School from January 28 to 29. 

Pride At Work Hawaii invites LGBT labor activists and allies to learn how to organize for their rights on the job and in their unions in this 10-hour interactive class, funded by a grant from the AQ McElrath Fund for Economic and Social Justice. 

The training will be led by skilled facilitators from Pride at Work’s national office and will train participants in developing, organizing, and leadership skills to effectively raise awareness and address LGBT issues in their workplaces and in their unions and build a stronger labor movement together for all workers. 

The trainings will be held on January 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and January 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the HGEA headquarters, 888 Mililani St # 601, in Honolulu.

Issues to be covered include:

The Union Difference for LGBT Workers
Labor History on LGBT Issues
Tools for Confronting Homophobia and Transphobia in Your Union and Your Workplace
Organizing 101
Finding Your Way in Your Local Union
The Structure of the Labor Movement
Internal Union Processes
Getting a Resolution Passed
Building Labor Support for pro-LGBT Legislators and Legislation

The training also includes a group dinner and a panel discussion with local labor leaders. Cost is $25 (fee includes 1-year membership in Pride At Work Hawaii), although no applicant will be denied for lack of funds. Funding is available to cover travel expenses for a limited number of “neighbor island” attendees.

Applications are available upon request by contacting [email protected]. The deadline to apply is January 14. For more information, visit http://www.hawaflcio.org/PAWHI/about.html.