Welcome to Summer Leadership Training for the NYSUT Tarrytown Regional Office. This on-line training offers all types of union leadership development, while also offering newer topics that are now a part of our everyday lives. All webinars will run approximately 1 hour and will start at either 9AM or 4:30PM. Most webinars will be offered twice to accommodate vacation schedules. A summary of each of the webinars is below. At the bottom of this page you will find a link to the registration form. Please sign up for as many webinars as you like. Participation may be limited in many, so please only select dates and times you know you are available.
Once we receive your on-line registration, we will confirm your participation with an e-mail to the address you give us. The day prior to the webinar, you will be sent a link to participate. While we all would prefer to conduct this training in person, we are confident that these webinars will offer outstanding information for NYSUT union leaders.
Basic Building Rep. – Session 1: Roles and Responsibilities of a Building Rep.
July 8, 2020 9:00 AM
August 5, 2020 4:30 PM
In this first session of the Basic Building Rep. training, the presenter will provide an overview of the common duties of a building representative and will break down the skills/attributes needed to be successful. This course may be taken along with the other Basic Building Rep. sessions, or on its own. Participation in the other sessions is not required in order to attend this session.
Basic Building Rep. – Session 2: Resources/Laws to Know
July 15, 2020 9:00 AM
August 12, 2020 4:30 PM
In this second session of the Basic Building Rep. training, the presenter will discuss the various labor laws that govern the workplace relationship between the district and the union (Taylor Law, Ed Law/Civil Service) and will also discuss your local structure and your local’s relationship with NYSUT. This course may be taken along with the other Basic Building Rep. sessions, or on its own. Participation in the other sessions is not required in order to attend this session.
Basic Building Rep. – Session 3: Advocacy
July 22, 2020 9:00 AM
August 19, 2020 4:30 PM
In this third session of the Basic Building Rep. training, participants will learn how to investigate members’ claims and prepare for meetings with district administrators. This course may be taken along with the other Basic Building Rep. sessions, or on its own. Participation in the other sessions is not required in order to attend this session.
Basic Grievance – Session 1: Obey Now, Grieve Later
July 14, 2020 9:00 AM
August 10, 2020 4:30 PM
In this introductory session of the Basic Grievance training, participants will be introduced to their Grievance Procedure. We will discuss the reasons for having a Grievance Procedure and the importance of the general rule, “Obey Now, Grieve Later.” We will also discuss the appropriate time to utilize the Grievance Procedure. Participants will learn about the various stages of their Grievance Procedure, the importance of the concept of “timeliness” and how to distinguish between complaints and Grievances. It is suggested that you register for all 4 courses in this Basic Grievance series, preferably in order.
Basic Grievance – Session 2: Gripe vs. Grievance
July 16, 2020 9:00 AM
August 11, 2020 4:30 PM
This second session of the Basic Grievance training will begin with a look at the potential consequences for failing to listen to members’ complaints. We will address the best practices that should be implemented when listening to members’ complaints, evaluating those complaints and in determining whether to file or advance a Grievance. This session will culminate in a discussion about the importance of having a Grievance Committee – what the Committee is, why it exists and how it should operate. It is suggested that you register for all 4 courses in this Basic Grievance series, preferably in order.
Basic Grievance – Session 3: Listening, Investing, Preparing
July 21, 2020 9:00 AM
August 13, 2020 4:30 PM
In this third session of the Basic Grievance training, we will begin by taking a look at other provisions of your contract. We will discuss in depth best practices related to listening, investigating and preparing a member to file a Grievance. Finally, we will practice writing up the Grievance and preparing it for submission to the Employer. It is suggested that you register for all 4 courses in this Basic Grievance series, preferably in order.
Basic Grievance – Session 4: The Grievance Hearing
July 23, 2020 9:00 AM
August 19, 2020 4:30 PM
In the final session of the Basic Grievance training, we will address subjective considerations to remember in utilizing the Grievance Procedure. These include the role of the union representative and presenting the Grievance to the Employer. We will touch upon the best ways to use the skills of your NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist during the Grievance Procedure. It is suggested that you register for all 4 courses in this Basic Grievance series, preferably in order.
Basic Negotiations – Session 1: Preparing for Negotiations
July 14, 2020 9:00 AM
August 6, 2020 4:30 PM
In this first session of the Basic Negotiations training, we will discuss what needs to be done to prepare for negotiations including: coalition building, choosing and organizing a bargaining team, requesting supporting information, and developing proposals. This course may be taken along with the other Basic Negotiations sessions, or on its own. Participation in the other sessions is not required in order to attend this session.
Basic Negotiations – Session 2: At the Table
July 22, 2020 9:00 AM
August 12, 2020 4:30 PM
This second session of the Basic Negotiations training will deal with what occurs at the bargaining table. Topics will include: ground rules, exchanging proposals, developing counterproposals, impasse and mediation. This course may be taken along with the other Basic Negotiations sessions, or on its own. Participation in the other sessions is not required in order to attend this session.
Basic Negotiations – Session 3: Closing the Deal
July 29, 2020 9:00 AM
August 18, 2020 4:30 PM
This third session of the Basic Negotiations training will discuss how to come to an agreement. Topics will include: pressure tactics, action/crisis committees, memorandum of agreements, and ratification. This course may be taken along with the other Basic Negotiations sessions, or on its own. Participation in the other sessions is not required in order to attend this session.
Civil Service Laws at a Glance
July 21, 2020 4:30 PM
August 10, 2020 4:30 PM
Are you ever confused about the laws and rules that apply to civil service positions in New York State and in your workplace? This workshop will review the most frequently relied upon rules and how they impact your members. Topics covered will include: appointments, probation, seniority and discipline.
Combatting Racism to Build Union Power
August 20, 2020 4:30 PM
The goal of this workshop is to begin the conversation about racism, focusing on opportunities we have within our unions to make positive change. The conversation will be guided by a hypothetical scenario based on real life events. (Limited Enrollment)
Discipline & Discharge
August 5, 2020 9:00 AM
August 19, 2020 4:30 PM
An overview of discipline and discharge of public employees and how to effectively handle disciplinary situations will be presented at this workshop.
Discovering Benefit Fund Resources
August 18, 2020 9:00 AM
August 20, 2020 4:30 PM
Managing a Benefit Fund is complicated and requires much work. Changing regulations to purchasing benefits and transitions of leadership add additional challenges. This webinar will provide guidance on what resources are available to navigate these challenges.
Distance Learning Issues Facing us in the Fall
July 21, 2020 4:30 PM
August 5, 2020 4:30 PM
March 2020 will forever be known to educators as the month when almost all the world’s schools shut their doors. The speed of these closures and the rapid move to distance learning has allowed little time for planning or reflection on both the potential risks to safeguard against and the potential opportunities to leverage. This class will examine some of the risks and opportunities for schools in our area and share practical solutions to support members.
Ed. Laws at a Glance
July 7, 2020 9:00 AM
August 4, 2020 9:00 AM
This workshop will focus on New York’s Education Law, with a particular emphasis on seniority and tenure rights. Participants will be e-mailed prior to the class to submit questions that the class will attempt to address.
Layoffs – Civil Service
July 7, 2020 4:30 PM
August 20, 2020 4:30 PM
This workshop, which is specifically for SRP Civil Service members, will help participants to understand the process in the event of an employer’s decision to reduce its workforce. We will cover all aspects of layoffs, including seniority and bumping rights.
Layoffs – Education Law
July 15, 2020 9:00 AM
July 23, 2020 4:30 PM
This training session will examine Education Law and regulations concerning layoffs. The goals of this workshop are: to become familiar with the proper protocol for layoffs, to be able to identify when a problem exists, and to understand the questions to ask your member and/or the district in order to best represent your members.
Managing Local Union Finances
August 25, 2020 9:00 AM
Who is ultimately responsible for the local’s finances? (The answer is not just the Treasurer!) What Official Financial Requirements do you have as a local union officer? How do you conduct the AFT audit? Do you have to report to the IRS? All of these areas will be discussed, but ultimately the goal of this workshop is to give you some easy ways to implement sound financial procedures at your local union. Participants will also learn about budgeting and record keeping as well as cash management, and internal financial controls.
Media Relations 101
July 9, 2020 9:00 AM
August 10, 2020 4:30 PM
Controversy has been stirred up and a reporter is calling for comment. Now what? NYSUT Press Secretary Matt Hamilton will walk you through media relations 101, from how the media works, to dealing with a crisis, to fostering relationships with reporters so you can better tell your local’s own stories and promote the positive work your union and your members do every day.
Negotiating Health & Safety
July 14, 2020 9:00 AM
August 6, 2020 9:00 AM
This training will help you identify the “how to…”, “what to…” and “why to…” of bargaining health and safety issues related to COVID-19 reopening plans for September.
Political Action – Lobbying 101
August 5, 2020 9:00 AM
COVID-19 has thrown everything out the window when it comes to conventional anything. In a new world of masks, social distancing and digital organizing, this course will show you how to continue to engage our elected officials when we need them most. There will be discussions on the best techniques to reach legislators as well as a legislator “teach-in” where we will take our skills and actually educate a legislator on one of our issues.
Political Action – Navigating Political Discussions Among Members
August 13, 2020 4:30 PM
Our landscape continues to see potential budget cuts, aggressive anti-union fervor and continued support of policies that will ultimately undermine and destroy our profession. Starting with our own members, this course will go into detail on how to talk to members about the fight for public education. We will do a deep dive into the income and racial inequality in our State and find ways to agitate, educate and mobilize members towards action.
Racial Justice for Educators
July 14, 2020 4:30 PM
This workshop will help participants reflect on ways racism is embedded into the education system and help them to develop a plan to use their role as teachers within that system to advance racial justice. Participants should read and be prepared to discuss James Baldwin’s, “A Talk to Teachers” which can be found online at:
https://www.zinnedproject.org/materials/baldwin-talk-to-teachers
Social Media: A Tool for Unions or a Weapon Against Our Members?
July 16, 2020 4:30 PM
August 11, 2020 9:00 AM
Let’s discuss how we can harness the power of social media to increase engagement, promote union values, and strengthen our unions AND how we can caution our members of the possible perils of their own posts.
The ABCs of Organizing
July 16, 2020 4:30 PM
August 18, 2020 4:30 PM
Even though your local has 100% membership, or close to it, organizing still needs to be a priority. In this workshop, we will discuss what is meant by organizing, the reasons you should never stop organizing, different ways to continue with this vital activity (even in the midst of a pandemic!), and the components of an organizing conversation with your coworkers in which the goal is to raise the level of your coworkers’ participation in the activities of your local.
Union Leadership in a Virtual World
July 8, 2020 4:30 PM
August 6, 2020 9:00 AM
We must prepare to face the challenges of leadership in the post-pandemic world. Leading a labor organization remotely adds to the inherent challenges of leadership. This workshop will assist current and future leaders face those challenges by providing useful strategies to build on already proven successful leadership.