The AFL-CIO Organizing Institute (OI) has been at the heart of where members and staff organizers come together to sharpen skills, share experiences and reinforce best practices to help working people win respect and dignity on their jobs through forming a union.

But even during a pandemic, we are reminded that the rights of working people are still under assault in workplaces across the country. Although the landscape of how we organize may be shifting due to COVID-19, the core principles for people to build power in their workplaces remain the same.

OI TRAININGS ARE NOW DIGITAL AND AT NO COST

We are now offering condensed versions of all OI Trainings. It’s all online, and it’s all at no cost. Find the right training for your stage of career below.

This condensed training focuses on the fundamentals to win union organizing campaigns. Whether you are running a campaign for union recognition or strengthening your already existing local union during this crisis, these trainings are designed to provide organizers with tools to assist working people win a voice on the job. Participants will learn one-on-one communication skills, how to recruit and develop key leaders to the campaign, and how to run issue campaigns.

Sessions are held Tuesdays through Thursdays from 2–4:30 p.m. ET.

Upcoming Online Trainings

Sept. 15–17, 2020 Registration Opens Soon
Sept. 29–Oct. 1, 2020 Registration Opens Soon
Nov. 17–19, 2020 Registration Opens Soon
Jan. 26–28, 2021  
Feb. 9–11, 2021  


The following workshops and clinics are designed for experienced organizers who are taking on greater roles, such as leading teams of organizers or campaign strategy.

Advanced Organizer Workshop

This condensed digital workshop is designed for organizers with at least two years of direct organizing experience and who are currently working on an organizing campaign. Participants will share their experiences, challenges and successes with one another and focus on building skills to enhance critical thinking, campaign planning and committee development.

The training schedule will be available in August. Please contact us for more information.

OI Exchange Field Clinics

The OI Field Clinics are designed and hosted by participants of the OI Exchange to reinforce core campaign best practices that win campaigns and develop strong organizers. The Organizing Institute works with host unions to refine objectives, design the agenda and lead facilitation. 

Each clinic is built around a consensus “community practice” that reflects the subject matter for the clinic. Clinics are designed for experienced organizers who lead teams and want to take on greater roles in the campaign.

The full training schedule for these condensed, digital clinics will be available in August. Contact us for a summary of field clinics we offer.

Upcoming Online Trainings

Aug. 12–13, 2020 Messaging to WIN! Contact us for more information.

Union, Industry and Campaign-Specific Training

The Organizing Institute can assist AFL-CIO affiliated unions and local bodies looking to train and develop member activists and staff organizers for specific campaign needs.

Email Patrick Scott for more information.

Upcoming Online Trainings

Aug. 26–27, 2020 OPEIU Members

OI Webinar Series

How are union organizers leading organizing campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this two-part webinar series, union organizers share how they are strengthening their organizing committees and building momentum through issue campaigns. Check back for upcoming webinars.

Past Webinars

Building and Keeping Momentum in Organizing Campaigns During COVID-19
Webinar access code: 7V!&x^45

Stephanie Basile, New Unit Coordinator, TNG-CWA
Lisa Maria Garza, Orlando Sentinel Guild, CWA Local 3108
Alex Driehaus, Southwest Florida NewsGuild, CWA Local 3108
Erin Petenko, VTDigger Guild, Providence Newspaper Guild Local 31041

Begin a Career in Union Organizing

The OI is not accepting applications for its apprenticeship program at this time.

Please visit Union Jobs to view and apply for positions in the labor movement. You can also post your resume at the AFL-CIO Resume Posting Service for Strategic Campaigners.

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