The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is inviting its members to enroll in the upcoming Spanish Organizing I class, which will take place from December 14 to 19, 2025, at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Maryland.
This course is available to all IAM members and staff assigned by their General Vice President (GVP). While fluency in Spanish is not mandatory, having 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 curriculum aims to provide participants with skills and strategies for organizing worker groups and negotiating stronger contracts. The training uses real case studies from previous IAM organizing campaigns. Key areas covered include developing strategic campaigns, one-on-one communication techniques, recruiting internal organizing teams, countering company opposition efforts, creating effective messages using essential organizing terminology, and building alliances with community partners and labor allies.
Participants will also explore “the components of a comprehensive strategic campaign; one-on-one communication and issue-based organizing; identifying and recruiting internal organizing teams; countering company campaigns; crafting powerful messages and learning essential organizing lingo; [and] building alliances with community partners and labor allies.”
Locals or districts interested in enrolling individuals should contact their GVP for assignment.
“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,” according to an IAM statement.
For further information about enrollment or course details, members are encouraged to contact the Winpisinger Center at 301-373-8820 or w3leadership@iamaw.org.
