Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

The Union Development Program (UDP) - PSAC BC Region

• Level One: December 1st –  December 5th, 2009. Metrotown Hilton, Burnaby
• Level Two: January 31st –  February 5th, 2010. CLC Winter School, Harrison Hot Springs
• Level Three: April 26th –  May 1st, 2010. Metrotown Hilton, Burnaby

• Deadline for applications is September 25th, 2009. Late applications will not be accepted.
• Prerequisite: All UDP applicants must have taken the PSAC Talking Union Basics (TUB) course or equivalent.
• Apply online here or download and mail in an application form (pdf)
• Download the UDP brochure (pdf)

The Union Development Program (UDP) is a sixteen-day intensive education program designed to develop the leadership skills of emerging union activists. The UDP includes three levels of learning events [UDP 1, UDP 2 and UDP 3] with specific leadership assignments in between. The complete program takes place over a 5 month period.

UDP 1: “At the Workplace” focuses on building the union at the Local level. At UDP 1, we explore union principles and we look at how privilege and oppression impacts us, our family, our community, our workplaces and the union. We analyze dynamic models of engaging and organizing members, develop effective communication strategies, practice public speaking, develop strategic planning skills and plan inclusive and strategic workplace actions.

UDP 2: “Labour’s Role in Society” deals with labour’s role in the social and economic fabric of our society. At UDP 2, we discuss the roots of racism and its impact. We look at our union’s history and the history of the Canadian labour movement. We explore ways of navigating and participating in the PSAC, discuss the impact of the economy on labour and society, and we look at how labour operates nationally and internationally.

UDP 3: “Leadership in Action” focuses on building and sustaining activism in the union. We are inspired by the work of other union and social justice activists. We look more closely at how to develop ourselves as union activists: building on leadership skills and looking at healthy ways to sustain our energies. At UDP 3, the participant becomes the facilitator through development and delivery of interactive presentations on current issues requiring action. The course highlights a mock convention where we practice our political skills and model union democracy. UDP 3 is our springboard to increased activism. We will wind up by planning and celebrating our role in building the future of the union.

Continue reading ‘Course announcement: Union Development Program 2009/10′