Usdaw Summer Schools 2003

Places are now available on one of the union’s most popular education courses, the annual Summer Schools, which offer quality training for new and experienced reps during a week-long residential course.

When and Where

This year First Series Summer School is taking place at the TUC National Education Centre in London from 13 to 20 September. The venue is self-contained, secure and fully accessible. All bedrooms have full en suite facilities.

Our Second Series Summer School will be held at the new training facilities in our Warrington Office during September. There will be two "Trade Union Activity and The Law" courses, which will run from 31 August to 6 September. The "Union and Politics" course and the "Organising Women Workers" course will run from 21-27 September.

Your branch has been invited to nominate members for both the First and Second Series Summer School.

Costs
The union will pay board and accommodation fees for both Summer Schools and members awarded a place will be entitled to claim travelling fares and any appropriate allowances. In addition, reasonable childcare costs can be claimed.

How to Apply

Each branch to nominate up to two members for each Summer School and the closing date for nominations is Friday, 2 May 2003. Successful nominees will be selected by the Executive Council from the shortlists submitted by each Divisional Council. Please make every effort to submit nominations for both Schools. In previous years, part-time workers, women and black members have been under-represented at our Summer Schools. It would, therefore, be particularly pleasing to receive nominations from these groups of members. Second Series Summer School is normally open only to members who have attended First Series Summer School or the Branch Officers' Course. Please contact your Branch Secretary if you wish to be nominated.

Usdaw Summer School - First Series

This school has been designed for members who have already shown some commitment to the union and are keen to play a more active part in union affairs in the future.
Nominees need not be Union Representatives but priority will be given to nominations from those members who have already taken advantage of the union's educational activities, particularly the Home Study Course, or who can demonstrate a degree of commitment to the union.
Members attending the School will join a small work group of approximately 14 members, each with its own tutor. Everyone will be encouraged to participate fully in the School activities and to share their varied experience and knowledge with others.
The basic aim of the School is to develop the ability to play an active and informed part in increasing trade union organisation and involvement at the workplace and at the branch. This is achieved by helping members to:

1)Develop their understanding of trade union aims, objectives and policies.

2)Develop their understanding of the challenges facing trade unions today.

3)Develop their self-confidence.

4)Improve their organising and communication skills

Please note that consideration cannot be given to nominees who will be less than 18 years of age on 12 September 2003 nor to members who have attended this School on a previous occasion.

Usdaw Summer School - Second Series

This School is intended for experienced and active members who play a leading role in union activities at their branch and workplace. It is normally open only to members who have attended First Series Summer School or the Branch Officers' Course. The School deals with different aspects of industrial relations and there will be four distinct seminar groups. Each group will deal with one specialist subject only taken from those listed below and will have the same tutor throughout the week. Every student will be encouraged to relate the subject under discussion to their own workplace/branch and to participate fully in the School activities.

Seminar Groups

Trade Union Activity and the Law

This aims to help union activists understand the role of the law in industrial relations, particularly as it affects the job of the Union Representative. It will deal with the impact of legislation on Trade Union organisation and also how it affects the individual member's rights at work.

The Union and Politics

This is primarily concerned with the links between the union's industrial objectives and political activity. It aims to help union activists consider how workplace campaigning activity can be extended into the political arena and how Usdaw can exert an influence on the Labour Party and its policies. It is primarily aimed at members developing an interest in political activity.

Organising Women Workers

This aims to equip activists with the knowledge and skills needed to build women's involvement in union activity in the workplace. It will give an opportunity to share experience on the problems women face at work such as part-time working, low pay, "equal value", and sexual harassment. It aims to look at how tackling these problems can assist recruiting and organising women workers. It also aims to help union activists understand the role of the Divisional and National Women's Committees in Usdaw.

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