2026 UALE Northeast Women’s Summer School

• Rank-and-file union members
• Emerging leaders
• Union staff and officers
• Women+ and leaders in worker and community organizations

We urge unions to actively support and invest in members who are prepared to create meaningful, lasting impact within their organizations and step into stronger leadership roles. By doing so, you are strengthening not only individual leaders, but the long-term power, resilience, and future of working people as a whole.

Inclusive Definition

We use an inclusive definition of “women” and “Women+” that includes trans women, gender-nonconforming women, and non-binary people who experience gender-based oppression in workplaces and worker organizations.

What Makes the UALE Northeast Women’s+ Summer School Different?

This is not a conference where participants move quickly from session to session.

The Summer School is designed as a shared learning experience, with participants engaging in multi-day leadership courses and workshops that allow time for deeper learning, practice, reflection, and relationship-building. Learning happens in the classroom, in conversation with peers, and through shared experiences throughout the week.
One of the most valuable aspects of the Summer School is the opportunity to learn alongside other Women+ and labor activists, build trust, exchange strategies, and form relationships that continue long after the week ends.

Program Structure

Participants will engage in:

• Leadership Development Courses – Multi-day courses focused on power, democracy, labor history, identity, and movement strategy
• Skills-Building Workshops – Including organizing, collective bargaining, grievance handling, coalition building, communications, and political education
• Plenary Sessions – Bringing all participants together to examine urgent labor and social issues shaping the current moment
• Community & Cultural Programming – Designed to foster connection, solidarity, and reflection, while balancing rest and flexibility

Instruction is provided by intergenerational teams of labor educators, union leaders, and worker-organization activists, reflecting the diversity and experience of the labor movement.

Residential & Commuter Participation

To support broad access and participation, the 2026 Summer School will offer both residential (student dorms) and commuter options.

• Residential participants will stay together in NYC-based lodging (details forthcoming), supporting cohort learning and community building
• Commuter participants will take part in the full daytime program, with optional evening activities.

Clear schedules, expectations, and support will be communicated in advance so all participants can plan accordingly!
Space is limited, and commuter participation may be capped.

Language Justice & Accessibility

The 2026 NEWSS is committed to language justice and inclusive participation. Planning includes:

• A full Spanish-language track
• Interpretation in plenary sessions
• Multilingual workshops, where possible
• Practices that promote shared responsibility for inclusive communication

Participants will be asked to indicate language and access needs during registration.

Registration Information – MORE INFORMATION WILL BE SHARED SOON

Program Fees:

• Commuter rate $575 (includes tuition, materials, and meals)
• Residential rate (includes tuition, materials, meals, and lodging)
  • Single rate: $1,150
  • Double rate: $1,010

Registration Deadline: TBD Registration may close early if capacity is reached.

Scholarships:

A limited number of partial scholarships will be available. Participants are encouraged first to seek support from their union, labor council, or organization.

Why Unions Support the Summer School

Unions have long supported the Women’s Summer School because it:

• Builds confident, skilled leaders rooted in union values
• Strengthens member engagement and organizing capacity
• Creates networks across locals, sectors, and regions
• Helps leaders understand the broader labor movement and their role within it

Participants return with practical tools, stronger connections, and a clearer sense of how to contribute to their union’s growth and long-term strength.

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

A detailed cancellation and refund policy will be posted once registration fees are finalized.