Sessions and workshops

Electing a Future Worth Fighting For (full-day workshop)

With a provincial election this fall and a federal election on the horizon, there’s a lot at stake for working people. In this full-day workshop, we’ll dig into the ways politics affects workers’ lives, the most important issues we’re facing and where the political parties stand. You’ll learn how unions organize members internally during elections, and how to participate on campaigns — there are roles for everyone! You’ll get hands-on practice using powerful conversational tools and outreach strategies to talk with colleagues and the public about electing a government that supports working people.

Election-Ready: Labour and the upcoming campaign

Learn more about what's at stake in the upcoming provincial election and how the labour movement is preparing.

Building Strong Community

The remarkable work of local organizations is the backbone of strong, empowered communities. Join us as we dive into the heart of that work with frontline stories from some of the Fraser Valley’s leading changemakers. You'll hear how these grassroots organizations are building solidarity and growing community resilience — and maybe even spark your next big idea for change.

Nothing About Us Without Us:
Defending against the rise of hate

The alt-right has found a new political opportunity to oppose inclusion and representation. Their tactic: sowing division and spreading disinformation about SOGI. These school resources, aimed at fostering understanding and protecting all students from harassment and bullying, are being smeared by coordinated right-wing campaigns from fringe groups and even elected officials. This panel will highlight the importance of representation in leadership, drawing on direct personal experience as we look at how progressive communities can come together to counter misinformation and hate.

Organizing Institute:
The Basics of the Basics of Organizing!

Join us for a look at the qualities, tactics and technical tools every good organizer should have in their tool belt. These are important skills that anyone can use, whether you’re a labour leader, a union staffer or rank-and-file member, for both internal and external organizing. This workshop is a great first step into the world of organizing — and the perfect lead-in to the full Basics of Organizing course through the BCFED Organizing Institute.

Leadership for Inclusive and Thriving Organizations

Leadership styles and approaches differ — and leaders often switch approaches depending on circumstances. In this session, we'll examine common leadership approaches for building inclusive frameworks. You'll explore the facets of your own leadership, and develop tools for leading in inclusive and inspiring ways, and learn techniques and practices for speaking and communicating in your authentic leadership voice.

Mental Health First Aid Program

Every workplace should be a psychologically healthy one, but so many of them fall short — and workers often pay the price. We’ll discuss the need for psychologically healthy workplaces, and why this field is taking such a prominent place in labour relations. You’ll learn what Mental Health First Aid is, and how to identify the warning signs your workplace is psychologically unsafe. We’ll explore how a Mental Health First Aid course could help your workplace, and equip you with action items to bring back to your workplace.

Building Solidarity

In changing times, polarizing debates about issues can divide families, communities, and workplaces. Exploitation of those divisions by right-wing groups, politicians, and financial interests for their own gain also undermines the solidarity on which unions, governments, and democratic society is founded. When we can’t find the common ground that we need to work together, we fail. This workshop is designed to help union members engage in difficult conversations about divisive topics and offers new tools and skills to navigate through conflict, bridge the divide, and move forward together.

Floods, Fires and the Future:
Workers speak on climate justice and jobs

Our environment and economy are changing. Our jobs and the communities we live in are being hit hard. From wildfires and heatwaves to flooding, workers and communities are increasingly affected by the changing climate. Hear from community leaders about these impacts in the Fraser Valley and throughout BC, and the community responses to tackle them. Connecting local to provincial, we'll wrap up with a brief discussion of the BCFED Climate Jobs and Justice Committee’s province-wide tour, speaking with workers and community members about their ideas for a plan to tackle these urgent issues.

Making BC a Public Transit Leader:
A 10-year vision for Connecting BC

Imagine public transit that gets you where you need to go quickly and affordably, no matter where in BC you live. Learn about Connecting BC, a bold 10-year plan to make that vision a reality, shaped through conversations with working people and grassroots organizations in rural and urban communities across the province. Let’s fill the gaps left by years of neglect under BC Liberal governments, and build on major transit investments made by the NDP. Find out how we can bring great transit to your doorstep!