2026 Great Lakes Union Leadership Institute Registration Form

Great Lakes Union Leadership Institute Registration Form

Registration is open May 1 - 22, 2026
Meeting the Moment

Courage - Clarity - Collective Action
Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, 2026

Lake Lawn Resort | Delavan, WI
In this moment of intensified assault on our labor rights, our students, and our democracy, we are called on to do what we do best: organize and mobilize. This year's Great Lakes Union Leadership Institute has been reimagined to help us meet this critical moment by providing the tools and strategies to protect, defend and grow our communities.

To meet the urgency of these times, we are introducing a new format that is designed for deeper interaction and collective planning.
What's New This Year? We have created a format that will allow for a more cohesive, interactive, and engaging experience. Here are 3 major changes:
- Morning Political Education: We will begin each day together. These whole-group sessions are designed for political educationand context setting, ensuring that we are grounded and inspired before heading into our coursework.
- Modular Learning Courses: Much like the traditional school schedule, participants will attend three 90-minute "periods" each day. This new format will allow you to select 3 courses that will help diversify your skills and engage with different topics in a focused environment.
- Strategic Planning: Our final day we will gather as a full group to share what we've learned and identify concrete plans to bring these lessons and strategies back to our local unions.
2026 COURSE SELECTION AND REGISTRATION

You will be enrolled in three courses for the duration of the program. Because space is limited, please select your top four choices from the options below. We will do our best to accommodate your primary interests.
1. Building an Antiracist Union
2. Building an Effective Contract Campaign
3. Building Power Through Assertive & Effective Grievance Administration
4. Establishing a Powerful Political Program
5. Organizing for Union and Community Power
6. Strengthening Member Engagement and Participation
7. Union Leadership Skills
Team Strategy tip: We encourage local members to register as a team. This program will allow time for dedicated team collaboration, allowing you to build your local's action plan in real-time.

Full course descriptions and program schedule are available at www.ift-aft.org/professionaldevelopment

REGISTRATION FEES

Registration rates cover training materials, lodging, a Sunday reception, two dinners, four breakfasts, four lunches, and coffee breaks throughout the week.
- Commuter Rate: $600.00 per person
- Single Occupancy: $1,375.00 per person
- Double Occupancy: $975.00 per person
Enrollment is limited for each course and registration applications will be processed in the order they are received.

Participants will receive a registration confirmation, a detailed agenda, and other conference information via the e-mail address provided on the enrollment form.

The registration deadline is Friday, May 22, 2026.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after June 16.
NAME*

First NameLast Name
LOCAL NAME*
Full name of your local; no acronyms please
AFT LOCAL NUMBER*
AFT STATE FEDERATION*
POSITION IN YOUR LOCAL*
MAILING ADDRESS (ULI registration materials will be mailed to this address)*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
MOBILE NUMBER*
Enter a valid area code and phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
E-MAIL (do not use your school e-mail )*
Registration confirmation will be sent to this address
AFT CONSTITUENCY*
Select one
PLEASE INDICATE T-SHIRT SIZE*
T-shirts are unisex sizes
GREAT LAKES ULI COURSE SELECTION

We will enroll all participants in 3 courses. We strive to place participants in their preferred courses and ask that you select 4 courses below in the event one of your preferred options is unavailable.
1st COURSE *
Classes are filled on a "first-come-first-served" basis.
2nd COURSE *
3rd COURSE *
4th COURSE *
.
REGISTRATION - ACCOMMODATIONS*
ROOMMATE (please list roommate if you have requested a DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
Roommate MUST be a registered Great Lakes ULI participant
DO YOU REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL ROOMING ACCOMMODATIONS?*
Specify special needs or accommodations
SPECIAL ROOMING ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
Please list any special needs or accommodations. If you have requested a roommate assignment, please designate your preferred roommate's gender here.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS*
Please specify other allergies or restrictions
OTHER FOOD ALLERGY/RESTRICTION
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF

This information will help us know more about our Great Lakes ULI participants and help us create a more inclusive learning environment.
I identify my gender as*

FemaleMaleNon-binary/gender queerPrefer not to discloseOther
My preferred pronouns are:
I identify my race as (select all that apply)*

Asian American or Pacific IslanderAmerican Indian or Alaska NativeBlack or African AmericanLatine or HispanicMiddle Eastern or North AfricanWhitePrefer not to answerOther
Please let us know about any physical or learning accommodations that could facilitate your participation in this training.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: We will make every effort to ensure that accommodations are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Participants who anticipate a special need ensuing from a disability should contact Benita Twillie at 630/468-4066 or at btwillie@ift-aft.org. Early notice is necessary since some accommodations may require significant advance notice.
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Great Lakes Union Leadership Institute Registration Form

Meeting the Moment

Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, 2026

GREAT LAKES ULI COURSE SELECTION

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF