Check Out Last Year’s Institute
“Knowledge is power. I’m ready. I hope everybody here is ready too. I know they are because there was no choice but to take something from this week. I needed it. I’m emotional because I’m excited! Being here has made me better.”
“The Union is the only force that stands against management’s exploitation of us, the workers. The Union allows us to demand dignity. The Union is for all of us!”
“I challenge you all to never forget your voices. Take that conversation, listen to your coworker’s story, remind people why we wear red on Wednesdays.”
“That’s the biggest part of this: showing up and being in the fight! Being a member of the Union is not a spectator sport. There’s only one path forward, and that’s working-class people standing up together!”
Schedule Overview
A full agenda will be posted when available
(All times in Eastern Time)
Saturday, April 18
Members traveling by flights arrive in Detroit, MI.
Sunday, April 19
3 – 5 p.m. – All members arrive and check in at the UAW Family Education Center (Black Lake).
5 – 6 p.m. – Center Tour
6 – 7 p.m. – Dinner
Monday, April 20
8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Members attend workshops and training sessions. All meals provided.
Tuesday, April 21
8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Members attend workshops and training sessions. All meals provided.
Wednesday, April 22
Wear RED!
8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Members attend workshops and training sessions. All meals provided.
Thursday, April 23
Wear your favorite UAW gear!
8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Members attend workshops and training sessions. All meals provided.
Friday, April 24
7:30 a.m. – Breakfast
8:45 a.m. – Members traveling by flights depart for the airport.
10 a.m. – All members depart the UAW Family Education Center.
Elective Workshop Experiences
Hands-on core skill classes will meet you where you’re at in your union journey based on your conference track — New Activism, Internal Mobilizing, or External Organizing. Additionally, you’ll get to choose 1-2 elective workshops that build on your purpose and power.
Elective sign-ups are first-come, first-served at check‑in, so start thinking about the options below!
Art in the Movement: This Is Where Workers Draw the Line
Join artist Annabelle Heckler to explore how art has been used through history as a powerful tool in the fight for workers’ rights. We’ll practice creating visual messages that amplify worker voices, connect struggles, and inspire action. No art experience needed—just your story and your solidarity!
Building Power from the Bread Box to the Ballot Box
Want strong contracts? Know how legislation shapes what we can win at the bargaining table. From living wages to healthcare, time off, and retirement, we’ll break down the key issues and practice the skills that make your actions count. Walk out ready to raise your voice and fight for what matters!
Frontline Solidarity
The mass deportation agenda is a deeply anti-worker tactic that hurts workers, unions, and the economy. Learn what’s behind the escalating attacks on immigrant workers and discuss resources available for unions and organizers.
Lessons from Labor History
Interesting stories from our past share key lessons about who we are and how we succeed. From appreciating the sacrifices made by union activists, to understanding the connection between politics and our contracts, this workshop distills Labor’s history into teaching moments that can chart the path forward in building worker power.
Storytelling: The Power of Your Story
Want to make your own story hit home with coworkers, voters, or legislators? This is the workshop for you! Skilled storyteller and labor teacher Elise Bryant provides personalized coaching that prepares you to use your lived experiences to persuade, inspire, and mobilize.
Taking on Free Trade: Our Union’s Fight to Take Back Our Lives & End Plant Closures
This interactive workshop focuses on free trade, plant closures, and the race to the bottom. We’ll discuss the UAW’s demands regarding a new trade agreement and chart a path to power through global solidarity with workers.
Leading With Vision
An activist who inspires others into action is a leader. Understanding what it takes to influence others is key to leading with vision. Join us to learn how developing leadership vision and behaviors will help you grow in your journey as a unionist.
Planning a Powerful Direct Action
Whether it’s pushing management to agree to a strong contract, enforcing the rights we fought hard to win, or mobilizing for social justice in our communities, strategic direct actions are a key tool for building leverage to advance workers’ rights. In this workshop, participants will discuss the fundamental components of a powerful direct action, including developing demands, assessing leverage, crafting strong messaging, planning logistics, and of course, turning out strong member participation.
Elective Workshop Experiences
Hands-on core skill classes will meet you where you’re at in your union journey based on your conference track — New Activism, Internal Mobilizing, or External Organizing. Additionally, you’ll get to choose 1-2 elective workshops that build on your purpose and power.
Elective sign-ups are first-come, first-served at check‑in, so start thinking about the options below!
Art in the Movement: This Is Where Workers Draw the Line
Join artist Annabelle Heckler to explore how art has been used through history as a powerful tool in the fight for workers’ rights. We’ll practice creating visual messages that amplify worker voices, connect struggles, and inspire action. No art experience needed—just your story and your solidarity!
Building Power from the Bread Box to the Ballot Box
Want strong contracts? Know how legislation shapes what we can win at the bargaining table. From living wages to healthcare, time off, and retirement, we’ll break down the key issues and practice the skills that make your actions count. Walk out ready to raise your voice and fight for what matters!
Frontline Solidarity
The mass deportation agenda is a deeply anti-worker tactic that hurts workers, unions, and the economy. Learn what’s behind the escalating attacks on immigrant workers and discuss resources available for unions and organizers.
Lessons from Labor History
Interesting stories from our past share key lessons about who we are and how we succeed. From appreciating the sacrifices made by union activists, to understanding the connection between politics and our contracts, this workshop distills Labor’s history into teaching moments that can chart the path forward in building worker power.
Storytelling: The Power of Your Story
Want to make your own story hit home with coworkers, voters, or legislators? This is the workshop for you! Skilled storyteller and labor teacher Elise Bryant provides personalized coaching that prepares you to use your lived experiences to persuade, inspire, and mobilize.
Taking on Free Trade: Our Union’s Fight to Take Back Our Lives & End Plant Closures
This interactive workshop focuses on free trade, plant closures, and the race to the bottom. We’ll discuss the UAW’s demands regarding a new trade agreement and chart a path to power through global solidarity with workers.
Leading With Vision
An activist who inspires others into action is a leader. Understanding what it takes to influence others is key to leading with vision. Join us to learn how developing leadership vision and behaviors will help you grow in your journey as a unionist.
Planning a Powerful Direct Action
Whether it’s pushing management to agree to a strong contract, enforcing the rights we fought hard to win, or mobilizing for social justice in our communities, strategic direct actions are a key tool for building leverage to advance workers’ rights. In this workshop, participants will discuss the fundamental components of a powerful direct action, including developing demands, assessing leverage, crafting strong messaging, planning logistics, and of course, turning out strong member participation.
Special Guests & Speakers
Stephanie Sepúlveda
Stephanie Sepúlveda is a Specialist on Immigration and Labor with the AFL-CIO., where she collaborates with unions, community groups, and international partners to advocate for workers’ interests and protect their fundamental rights. She has extensive research experience, undergraduate degrees in International Relations and Communication, and a master’s degree in International Relations and Economics from The Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Elise Bryant
Elise Bryant is a talented and inspirational labor educator, social justice activist, playwright, musician, CWA member, president emeritus of Coalition of Labor Union Women, and board member of the Labor Heritage Foundation. Her spirit of joy and resilience is at the heart of her ability to unite people in collective action.
Annabelle Heckler
Annabelle Heckler (she/ella) draws comics at the intersections of queer and labor justice, uplifting solidarity as our superpower. She is a proud alum of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
Annabelle hace investigación laboral, diseña campañas, y dibuja cómics en apoyo de movimientos populares, desde tierra indígena robada (Brooklyn, NY).
Traveling to the UAW Family Education Center
UAW Education Department conferences and institutes are held at the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center. Located in scenic Onaway, Michigan, on Black Lake, the UAW Family Education Center was envisioned by legendary UAW President Walter Reuther to be a place where UAW members and their families could come together to learn and have fun.
Whether driving or flying to a conference at the UAW Family Education Center, there are a few important things to know.
Please refer to the following information for directions, vehicle policies, and eligibility requirements for travel reimbursements.
Location Details
Venue: Walter & May Reuther Family Education Center
Address: 2000 Maxon Rd, Onaway, MI 49765
Website: www.uawblacklake.com
Vehicle Policy
The UAW Family Education Center is owned and operated by the UAW and our members. It is our center’s policy to only allow union made vehicles that were built in the USA and Canada to stay onsite.
If you arrive in a vehicle that does not fit these criteria, our security guards at the entrance will direct you to park in the lot adjacent to the main entrance. You will be permitted to briefly drive to the main lobby for unloading and loading your vehicle upon arrival and checkout. During your stay, you will not be allowed to drive your vehicle on campus. A shuttle bus is available that can transport you to your vehicle in the outside lot.
Not sure if your vehicle was union made in the USA or Canada? Check your Vehicle Identification Number!
The VIN is located in the upper left corner of the dashboard and on the door jam. If your VIN begins with a 1, 4, or 5, it is made in the USA and if it starts with a 2, it was made in Canada!
If Traveling Over 500 Miles to the UAW Family Education Center
Members who are approved to attend a UAW Education Department conference or institute are eligible for certain travel reimbursements when traveling over 500 miles each way. This distance is based on the miles from your worksite to the UAW Family Education Center at 2000 Maxon Rd., Onaway, MI.
Members whose worksite is over 500 miles one-way from the UAW Family Education Center, have the choice to either drive or fly to attend the conference and can receive reimbursements for their travel expenses.
Please refer to each specific process and eligible travel expenses below.
Driving Over 500 Miles
The following additional travel reimbursements are only available to members whose worksite is more than 500 miles each way from the UAW Family Education Center and choose to drive to Black Lake.
Mileage Reimbursement
Delegates are eligible to be reimbursed at the applicable IRS rate for each mile driven after 1,000 miles roundtrip (500 miles each way). * See note below
Lodging Reimbursement
Delegates are eligible to be reimbursed for lodging while traveling for a UAW Education Department conference at Black Lake up to $65 per night for single occupancy or $80 per night for double occupancy, when driving the following distances: * See note below
- 500-1000 miles each way: Reimbursement for one night of lodging each way, to and from Black Lake
- 1000+ miles each way: Reimbursement for two nights of lodging each way, to and from Black Lake
* NOTE: Distances are based on miles from delegate’s worksite to the UAW Family Education Center at 2000 Maxon Rd, Onaway, MI, using MapQuest and the most direct route.
Reimbursement Process
- Save your lodging receipts while traveling.
- Complete a reimbursement form and submit receipts to the Education Office at Black Lake during the week you attend.
- At the completion of the conference, you will receive a reimbursement check for travel lodging expenses.
Flying to the Institute
The following additional travel reimbursements are only available to members whose worksite is more than 500 miles each way from the UAW Family Education Center and choose to fly to Black Lake.
What to expect
Eligible delegates who fly to attend a UAW conference or institute at Black Lake will arrive at Detroit Metro Airport on the Saturday prior to the start of the conference. A shuttle bus will pick you up at the airport and drive you to a nearby hotel that has been reserved and paid for by the UAW. You will need to use your personal debit or credit card for incidentals, and a hold may be applied for this charge.
On Sunday morning, all delegates who have flown in also have a reserved seat on a charter bus that will drive them to the UAW Family Education Center.
On Friday morning, at the end of the conference, delegates will ride the charter bus back to Detroit Metro Airport and depart that afternoon. There is no hotel stay provided by the UAW on the Friday of departure.
Processes for Booking Airfare Tickets & Reimbursement
- Apply and be accepted for the conference or institute using your legal name as it appears on your driver’s license or state ID.
- Once accepted, your local union will receive an email at least 21 days prior to the conference with a link to purchase your airfare.
- Local unions must complete the airline reservation via the link before the deadline as stated in the call letter.
- Delegates should purchase baggage through their selected airline using their personal debit/credit card, or through their local unions. (See eligible Air Travel Reimbursements below)
- Delegates submit their baggage receipts to the Education Office at the Family Education Center on Monday of the conference, prior to 4 p.m.
- Delegates will receive a reimbursement check for your baggage fees at the end of the conference.
- Local unions will receive a reimbursement check from UAW Black Lake for airfare, minus flier fees of $75 per delegate.
*- NOTE: Personal checks are not accepted for airfare tickets. Local unions choosing to pay by check should refer to the Local Union Process call letter or contact their UAW Region’s office for assistance.
Eligible Air Travel Reimbursements
Upon completion of the conference, delegates will be reimbursed for the following:
- Cost of airline tickets through link provided by UAW Black Lake, minus the flier fees of $75 for each delegate
- Baggage fees of up to $35 each way
Maps
Black Lake Campus
Classrooms
Agenda / Schedule – HIDDEN UNTIL READY
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Digital Materials
Check back later for more info…
Call Letter
Red Pine Market
Digital Materials – HIDDEN – When ready, drag the columns below into the section above and replace the images + links to download
Call Letter
Campground
Classrooms
Campground
Stores, Pharmacies & More
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Will I receive pay while attending?
Please contact your local union to inquire about lost time reimbursements while attending UAW Education Department conferences.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are NOT allowed at the UAW Family Education Center.
How do I get reimbursed for mileage?
Refer to the section Traveling Over 500 Miles to the Family Education Center for eligibility requirements and reimbursement process.
How do I get reimbursed for airline travel?
Refer to the section Traveling Over 500 Miles to the Family Education Center for eligibility requirements and reimbursement process.
If I drive, what are the rules regarding vehicles?
The UAW Family Education Center is owned and operated by the UAW. Our members’ dues dollars support this place. We have a vehicle policy to only allow vehicles that were union made in the USA and Canada to park onsite.
To read about our vehicle policy, see Traveling to the UAW Family Education Center.
What are the housing arrangements?
The UAW Family Education Center consists of a main hotel and adjacent buildings with sleeping rooms and full bathroom and shower facilities. Soap, towels, and all bedding are provided.
All delegates to our conferences and institutes are roomed with another delegate. During registration, delegates will be paired with the roommate they request. If no roommate is requested, they will be randomly assigned a room partner.
If private accommodations are preferred, single housing may be requested before arrival or at check-in for an additional $330.50 plus tax for the week. Contact the UAW Black Lake front desk at 989-733-8521 no later than one week before the conference to request private accommodations.
Please note that single rooms are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Payments for private accommodations must be made via personal credit/debit card, money order, or a personal/local union check and are due at time of check-in. For further information, please contact your local union.
What should I pack?
A recommended packing list will be shared upon approval of the program.
Attire is informal, and casual clothes are acceptable for classes and evening activities.
On Wednesday, we wear red shirts for solidarity! If you do not own a red shirt, there are some available for purchase at the gift shop and Red Pine Market. You may also want to pack additional items for Wednesday’s free afternoon.
We encourage everyone to pack bathing suits for swimming in the pool or the beach, depending on the season. Towels for the pool are located in the pool area but should not be brought to the beach.
While summers in northern Michigan are typically warmer weather, evenings can be on the cooler side. While enjoying an evening stroll to gaze at the stars or trying to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, you might prefer pants and a light jacket or sweatshirt.
Red Pine Market is located on campus and offers a selection of basic pharmacy items you may need, as well as snacks, beverages, and hand-scooped ice cream!
How do I register for the conference?
If you are member, request to attend this conference through your local union leadership.
Local unions register approved delegates through LUIS and are provided the registration link and credentials in a specific call letter. Refer to the Local Union Process call letter that was sent from the Region for this specific conference.
If you are a representative of your local union, and need assistance with registering a delegate, please contact your UAW Region’s office.
Will photographs or videos be taken?
Yes, we encourage everyone to take photos and videos to capture and share their moments at the conference.
However, we do ask you to be mindful of how your photos and videos reflect your union to the public prior to sharing. Be sure the photos and videos you take represent your learning and fellowship experience at Black Lake.
Additionally, for privacy, there are a few areas of the center where photos and videos are not permitted. All delegates will be informed of these areas at the opening session of the conference.
The UAW may share photos and videos of the conference to encourage others to attend! You will be asked to check a box for a Release Form for photographs and videos during registration.
We also appreciate your desire for privacy, so if you do not want to be in any photos or videos, please inform our staff immediately when you arrive at check-in.
If I am approved to attend, but have to cancel, is there a refund?
If you are member who was approved to attend, but are no longer able to, please contact your local union immediately.
Cancellations after the Refund Deadline are non-fundable.
We strongly encourage locals to replace approved delegates whenever there is a cancellation. In the event the local is not able to substitute with another member, the refund deadlines are identified in the Local Union Process Call Letter. If further assistance is needed, please contact your UAW Region’s office.
Contact
Flight & Hotel Questions
UAW Black Lake Conference Center
Address: 2000 Maxon Road, Onaway, MI 49765
Phone: 989-733-7241
Fax: 989-733-7293
Email: blacklakefec@uaw.net
Web: UAW Black Lake Conference Center & Golf Club
Phone: 989-733-7241
Fax: 989-733-7293
Email: blacklakefec@uaw.net
Web: UAW Black Lake Conference Center & Golf Club
Conference Information
UAW Education Department
Address: 8000 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: 313-926-5000
Email: education@uaw.net
Web: uaw.org/education
Registration Info
Local Union OR REGION
Members should contact their local union leadership with any questions about the application or registration process.
Local unions should contact their UAW Region’s office with any questions about the application or registration process.
