Scontras Center Fall 2026 Labor Leadership Courses: "How to Get Members Involved and Organize Within Your Union" & "Shop Stewardship and Representation"

A union is only as strong as its active membership, but it often feels like “no one wants to do anything.” When engagement stalls, organizational strength disappears. The Scontras Center for Labor and Community Education at the University of Southern Maine is offering a 6-week course is designed for stewards, activists, and union leaders who seek to increase members’ participation.

Through a blend of theory and hands-on practice, you will learn how to transform apathy into action. In this interactive course, we will explore tools such as organizational analysis, mapping and charting, relationship building, 1:1 conversations, structure tests, and action planning. Participants will create a customizable toolkit to increase membership participation and build the structural power necessary to win better contracts and respect on the job.

Instructors: Scontras Labor Center Staff and Expert Guest Speakers

When: 6 Thursdays: September 10th-Oct 15th from 6:00-8:30 PM

Where: In Person Only, University of Southern Maine Portland Campus

Cost: $100

Shop Stewardship and Representation Course

Strong unions depend on strong stewards/union reps, yet the role of steward/rep is often a thankless and overwhelming job. Stewards/reps thrive when they understand their roles and have the tools to manage their responsibilities. This course offered by the Scontras Center will teach stewards/reps and future stewards/reps skills such as the rights and responsibilities of shop stewards, basic workplace rights, how to investigate and present grievances, the basics of arbitration, and internal organizing and record-keeping. Students will learn through a blend of lectures, case studies, exercises, and role-plays.
 

Instructors: Scontras Labor Center Staff and Expert Guest Speakers

When: 6 Thursdays: November 5th-December 17th (No class on Nov. 26th) from 6-8:30pm

Where: In Person Only, University of Southern Maine Portland Campus

Cost: $100