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IAM Union members from across the United States and Puerto Rico gathered this past summer at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md., for Spanish Leadership II. Throughout the week, members built on what they learned in Leadership I and sharpened the skills they use to represent their coworkers and to organize and strengthen their Locals.
The program covered collective bargaining, legislative issues and lobbying, advanced steward training, union ethics and organizing. Members put their training into practice on Capitol Hill, where they met with congressional offices to discuss issues that affect working people and to bring their on-the-job experiences into those conversations.
PHOTOS: Spanish Leadership II Advocacy Day
“Every IAM member should have the opportunity to learn how their union works and how they can help lead it,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “When we offer training in the languages our members speak at work and at home, we open the door for more members to get involved, stand up for their coworkers and take on leadership roles in our union.”
WATCH: IAM Spanish Leadership II Builds Skills for the Shop Floor and Capitol Hill
The Spanish Leadership Program brings together members who are most comfortable learning in Spanish and members who want to build stronger connections with their Spanish-speaking union siblings. Through leadership training in English, Spanish, and French, the Winpisinger Center helps members across the IAM develop the skills to serve their locals and advocate for working families.
Watch: Una Unión Para Todos: Spanish Leadership Program Continues Connecting and Developing IAM Leaders
“We want members to go home ready to use what they learned, whether that means helping a coworker with a grievance, getting more members involved in their local or talking with an elected official about what’s happening in their workplace,” said Winpisinger Center Director Julie Frietchen. “They also leave with relationships they can draw on long after the class ends.”
Watch: IAM Members from across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico on Spanish Leadership Program
Members interested in attending should contact their Local President, Business Representative, or General Chair as soon as possible. A working knowledge of Spanish is helpful, and members who completed prerequisite leadership classes in English are welcome to continue their training in Spanish. Leadership II requires completion of Leadership I, and Advanced Leadership requires completion of both Leadership I and II.
Participation in Spanish Leadership programs is separate from your local’s regular Leadership School allotment.
2027 Program Dates
View the 2027 program schedule and leadership call letters.
For more information, contact the Winpisinger Center at 301-373-8820 or w3leadership@iamaw.org.
