Celebrating NLLI 12: A New Generation of National Labor Leaders
National Labor Leadership Initiative graduates its 12th cohort of leaders committed to building a stronger, more inclusive labor movement
On June 19, Labor Leadership Initiatives celebrated the graduation of the 12th cohort of the National Labor Leadership Initiative (NLLI), marking the completion of a year of intensive leadership development, learning, reflection, and relationship-building among 25 leaders from across the U.S. labor movement.
Since its launch in 2013, NLLI has brought together senior labor leaders to develop the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to meet the strategic challenges facing unions and working people. The year-long program creates a unique space for leaders from unions, worker justice organizations, and allied organizations to learn from one another while strengthening their capacity to lead and transform their organizations and the broader movement.
NLLI 12 reflected the diversity and depth of today’s labor movement. Together, the 25 participants brought experiences from different industries, regions, unions, and movement organizations. The cohort included leaders from the National Education Association, UNITE HERE, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Laborers’ International Union of North America, Jobs with Justice, the Solidarity Center, United Steelworkers, 1199SEIU, the NYC Central Labor Council, Utility Workers Union of America, AFSCME, PowerSwitch Action, Ironworkers, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and the North Carolina State AFL-CIO, among others.
Throughout the program, participants explored three interconnected dimensions of leadership: strengthening individual leadership, leading and transforming organizations, and building an inclusive and dynamic movement. The program combines intensive retreats with peer learning, coaching, field application, and relationship-building that continues between sessions.
But NLLI is about more than leadership skills. It is about building a community of leaders who understand that the challenges facing working people are interconnected and that meeting those challenges requires collaboration across unions, sectors, and movements.
The June graduation was a moment to celebrate that community and the work each participant brings back to their organization and their members. It was also a reminder that leadership development is an investment in the future of the labor movement.
