The AFSCME Women’s Leadership Academy is designed for women leaders or activists at the local or chapter level. The eight-month Academy includes a five-day orientation session in August 2017, completion of a local union or council project or campaign, and a three-day final session in March 2018. The national union will pay for travel costs, overnight accommodations (double occupancy) and meals for all classroom sessions for selected participants. Affiliates or selected participants will cover vacation or release time.

The goals of the Academy for participants are to:

• Develop high-level presentation and communication skills
• Develop strategic planning skills for internal organizing
• Create a personal five-year plan-- (Yolanda, Do we need this?)
• Establish a mentoring relationship with a seasoned leader
• Build capacity in their own local or chapter

Applicants to the Academy must meet the following criteria:

• Be a local union leader or activist
• Commit to attend all sessions of the Academy (Orientation in August 2016, Final Session in March 2017)
• Commit to participate actively in the mentoring program
• Commit to attend all monthly webinars and/or check-in calls
• Commit to an approved six-month internal organizing or political action project/campaign for their local union or council/affiliate

Application guidelines:

Completed applications including essays and letters of recommendations must be submitted electronically by midnight on Friday, March 31, 2017 to sdance@afscme.org to be considered.

• All sections and questions must be answered on the application.
• A statement of good standing from the council or affiliate director/designee and a letter of recommendation from the local president are required.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure receipt of the above documents from the council and local.

If you have any questions, please call Sherri Dance at 202-429-1250.

Thank you!