AFSCME Women Leaders Gather for a Historic Meeting
by Kate Childs Graham | December 20, 2012
Members of the National Women’s Advisory Committee, International Vice Presidents and senior staff members discuss the Women’s Leadership Academy. (Photo by Jon Melegrito)
That’s the challenge AFSCME Sec.-Treas. Laura Reyes put to a group of 44 AFSCME women leaders, who gathered last Monday in Washington, DC. At this gathering, members of the National Women’s Advisory Committee (NWAC), International Vice Presidents and senior staff members had the opportunity to discuss their vision for the Women’s Leadership Academy.
Such development is crucial for AFSCME, whose membership is more than 54 percent women. Former Pres. Gerald W. McEntee announced the creation of the Women’s Leadership Academy at the last Women’s Conference in Wisconsin last fall and under Pres. Lee Saunders’ direction, the academy continues its robust development.
Earlier this year, National Women’s Advisory Committee members surveyed hundreds of AFSCME women, asking them their three wishes to enhance women’s leadership within the union. Overwhelmingly, union women said they want more:
- Education and training;
- Mentorship; and
- Opportunities for action.
On Monday, the group wrestled with these topics individually and collectively. Their discussions, along with the survey results, will inform the development and launch of the Women’s Leadership Academy in 2013.
