Labor Leadership Development
Learn more about our Labor Leadership Development programsThe New York State AFL-CIO/Cornell Union Leadership Institute (ULI) prepares labor and worker-justice leaders to effectively and strategically advance the rights of workers.
The National Labor Leadership Initiative (NLLI) is an intensive year-long leadership development program for top-level national leaders in the labor movement and the broader movement for worker justice.
Trainings in NYC
From the #MeToo movement, to the rise in intimate partner violence during the pandemic, to the surge of anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQ discrimination—unions face the challenge of how to tackle the impact of sexual harassment and gender-based violence on their members. The roots of gender discrimination and sexual violence are deeply embedded in workplace culture, as our workplaces are microcosms of society.
It is critical that managers at unions and social justice organizations receive training to become effective leaders and make the best use of limited resources. Participants learn techniques for helping their staff succeed and respond appropriately to common issues while honoring the values of the labor movement.
Topical Trainings
We Rise formed as a coalition in 2017 to address the injustices in the domestic worker industry. These organizations recognized that domestic work was largely invisibilized and undervalued and the importance of creating a workforce empowerment program supported by a Cornell certificate and channels for organizing.
Customized Training
The Worker Institute faculty have experience in most industries and can design a program around the particular needs and characteristics of your organization. In addition, all Worker Institute and Cornell ILR courses and workshops can be customized to fit your specific needs.
Examples include:
- Specialized training for a union bargaining committee and staff preparing to engage in a public or private sector collective bargaining
- Team building for a new union executive board or staff
- Strategic research training for union leaders in a specific industry
- Training for union stewards/delegates or internal organizers on building membership involvement and contract enforcement
- Training on "Managing and Supervising with Labors Values" tailored to your union
To discuss your organization's training needs contact:
Elaine Kim
New York City Office
ek583@cornell.edu
Arthur Wheaton
Workplaces & Industry Education Specialist
Buffalo Office
acw18@cornell.edu, (716) 852-4191