Language lessons, anyone?

Hey everyone … I want to share with you a potential “Best Practice” from the USW/U.S. Steel-Minnesota Ore (MinnTac) Career Development Program.

The program is piloting a new language program in an attempt to boost participation in light of 12-hour shifts, which, according to Coordinator Amy Payton, have made it more difficult for members to attend class. I know that is a common refrain when we get together and ask local programs what some of their biggest obstacles are.

So instead of hosting a language class with minimal participation, the MinnTac LJC is turning to technology and Rosetta Stone in an attempt to meet its workers’ educational need in this area.

The LJC has purchased one Rosetta Stone Spanish program and are conducting an informal member survey on a second language. It has also purchased two new laptop computers on which Amy will load the programs. Members will be allowed to check the laptops out of the center for up to two weeks – just like one would check a book out of the library. If, at the end of the two weeks, there is not someone else waiting for a laptop, that member is free to extend for another two weeks.

The thought is that Rosetta Stone provides the program a new methodology to deliver the curriculum at MinnTac. Part of ICD’s mission is to explore those new methodologies, so it is encouraging to see the LJC being so proactive. The program is offering an in-house Spanish class this spring, so it will be interesting to see the results. According to Amy, if the demand for the Rosetta Stone is larger than anticipated, the LJC may consider purchasing additional packages and additional laptops on which to load the program.

I believe such outside-the-box thinking is what separates Career Development from other worker education programs. We at ICD applaud the dedication of all the LJCs and Coordinators in serving their members. Well done.

Until next time … Jerry.

BlueGreen Alliance offering regional conference opportunities

Hey everyone … It seems the BlueGreen Alliance knows a good idea when it sees one.

Instead of hosting one national conference as it has done in the past, the BGA is borrowing from ICD’s playbook and shifting to a regional conference mode, hosting four separate “Good Jobs, Green Jobs” conferences in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Detroit.

As a conference convener, ICD is committed to spreading the word of the conferences on behalf of the BGA. ICD Staff will also be conducting workshops at each of BGA’s regional conferences, disseminating our grassroots approach of creating a new green economy through the use of Career Development training efforts.

Here is a description of the 2012 GJG Conference, in BGA’s own words:

From the manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines, to updating commercial buildings and the weatherization of homes, to the production of cleaner, safer chemicals, the green economy is emerging in cities and towns across the country. This year, the Good Jobs, Green Jobs Regional Conferences will be heading to the states to bring the discussion of good jobs and a clean economy to our area.

This is a chance for all of us to meet with community leaders, union members, environmentalists, business leaders and elected officials together to discuss how our region of the U.S. is, city by city and block by block, building the foundation for a green economy.

The Conference will feature high-level keynote speakers, dynamic plenaries, and workshops at each of the four Regional Conferences, emphasizing local initiatives creating good jobs and a clean environment in a number of emerging clean tech sectors. Some of these areas include: clean energy manufacturing; green infrastructure and transportation; state and local initiatives; emerging green sectors like recycling, chemicals, water and agriculture; renewable energy and energy efficiency; and business, investments and new markets.

Join us for the nation’s leading forum for building a green economy and creating good, green jobs. Visit http://www.greenjobsconference.org/to find a Conference near you today.

For a printable conference flyer, click here.

Until next time … Jerry.

Resolutions

Hey everyone … I hope everyone was able to enjoy some time with family and friends over the holidays.

There is nothing like coming back after the New Year ready to take on new challenges and pursue new opportunities.

We know there are plenty of them – challenges and opportunities – awaiting us in 2012, and we resolve to work closely with all the sites and Local Joint Committees to help them meet their own challenges head on while also maximizing their opportunities.

In short, we want to help you keep whatever resolutions you may have for your program in the new year?

Out of curiosity, has anyone come up with any resolutions for their program in 2012? We’d love to hear them.

Until next time … Jerry.