The UFCW’s new Education and Staff Development Department is offering a variety of education and staff development opportunities. The department recently held trainings for UFCW Local 365 WPEA and Region 2 staff.
On Nov. 19, the Education and Staff Development Department hosted a Reflective Engagement refresher training for UFCW Local 365 WPEA field staff, representatives, and leaders in Olympia, Wash. Reflective Engagement is an innovative approach that builds on decades of research on human engagement. Studies show that active listening, asking questions and reflecting back the response is the most effective way to connect with people. By using this technique, we are having more successful, open and high-quality conversations with members and potential members.
This training also included a planning training workshop, which focused on both team and individual goal setting.
On Jan. 7, the Education and Staff Development Department facilitated a Reflective Engagement refresher training, combined with a tailored needs based inclusion of the new Grow Progress (GP) studies, for Region 2 Mid-Atlantic staff and leaders in Media, Pa. The session began with a reaffirmation of core communication practices in Reflective Engagement, and provided an opportunity to explore new tools for understanding how people form beliefs and respond to institutions using GP, a platform that focuses on using empathy and behavioral science to effectively communicate and persuade target audiences.
The training kicked off with a lively, competitive ice breaker that tested participants’ knowledge of labor history and Reflective Engagement principles. The activity set an energetic tone for the day, sparking friendly rivalry while reinforcing our union’s deep roots and shared values. The Education and Staff Development Department is dedicated to supporting local union staff, officers, and members through a wide range of initiatives, including steward training, new staff onboarding, and leadership development programs. To learn more about trainings offered by the Education and Staff Development Department, contact educationdept@ufcw.org.