The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is encouraging its members to enroll in the upcoming Spanish Organizing I class at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Maryland. The class will be held from December 14 to 19, 2025.
The course is open to all IAM members and staff by General Vice President (GVP) assignment. While fluency in Spanish is not required, some understanding of the language is considered beneficial.
According to the IAM, “As our workforce becomes increasingly diverse, this class helps IAM members become stronger organizers, stewards, and leaders who can effectively represent and communicate with all workers and potential members.”
The program aims to equip participants with skills and strategies needed for organizing groups of workers and negotiating stronger contracts. “The Spanish Organizing I Class is designed to equip participants with the skills and strategies necessary to organize groups of workers and win stronger contracts. Using real case studies from IAM organizing campaigns, the course focuses on developing effective communication and messaging, as well as understanding the key elements of a successful organizing plan,” states the release.
Course topics include strategic campaign components, one-on-one communication techniques, recruiting internal teams for organizing efforts, responding to company opposition campaigns, crafting effective messages using relevant terminology, and building partnerships with community organizations.
IAM locals or districts interested in enrolling members or staff should contact their GVP for assignment.
The union emphasizes its commitment to providing education in multiple languages: “The IAM continues to lead the labor movement in offering comprehensive education and leadership development in multiple languages, ensuring that no worker is left behind. Through programs in English, Spanish, and French, the IAM provides every member with the tools and knowledge to grow, organize, and advance within our union and the broader movement for working people.”
For more information about registration or program details, interested individuals can contact the Winpisinger Center at 301-373-8820 or w3leadership@iamaw.org.
