Members discover spirit of Black Lake
Nestled on the shores of Black Lake in northern Michigan, the natural beauty of the UAW Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center is obvious.
The facility — about four hours north of Detroit near Onaway — is designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding woodlands. Deer, ducks, raccoons and other creatures wander freely in its secure confines.
But the inner beauty of Black Lake is its role as the union’s education center.
Envisioned by Walter Reuther and constructed during his term as UAW president, the center draws thousands of members each year for discussions and classes on all aspects of the union movement.
Local union members create a shared vision at conferences held throughout the year, including those on leadership, civil rights, health and safety, union women, retired workers, veterans, chaplains, the Local Union Press Association (LUPA) and UAW regions.
UAW members form lifelong friendships as they learn how to be more effective activists in their workplaces and communities.
UAW families learn together
Are you looking for the perfect family getaway where you can also renew your spirits as a union member?
Then it may soon be time to introduce your family to Black Lake.
Since the center opened in 1970, thousands of UAW families have participated in the Family Scholarship Program for a weeklong experience that combines education with relaxation. Here’s how it works:
During the day, parents participate in workshops with lively discussions and interactive exercises while children go to age-appropriate day camps with creative arts, music, games, athletics and swimming. The age groupings are 3-7 and 8-11.
Youngsters ages 12-15 will enjoy union involvement workshops, golf, swimming and gym games. And teens ages 16-18 are offered a program to prepare them for the real world.
Other afternoon and evening activities include laps at the indoor pool, a walk on the Black Lake beach, various sports and Karaoke Night. In addition, golfers can play the award-winning Black Lake Golf Club. (Visit www.blacklakegolf.com for fees and special events.)
The UAW pays for all lodging, food and program costs. Partici-pants may choose to pay for other things such as group photographs, gift shop items, golf or activities in nearby communities.
For UAW Local 1050 member Al Ford, who participated in a recent summer program with his three children, “the goal was accomplished.”
“When we attended, my kids were so enthusiastic about labor unions, and that’s something they don’t teach in the regular school system,” said Ford of Garfield Heights, Ohio, a 10-year skilled-trades electrician with Alcoa.
Note: To be eligible for a family scholarship, you must be a UAW member in good standing for at least a year and never have attended the scholarship program.
