High praise for CWU BAME Leadership course
Education, Equalities April 18 2019The CWU’s on-going drive to make the union’s structures more reflective of the diversity of its membership has been boosted by enthusiastic feedback from the latest Black & Ethnic Minority Members’ Leadership course.
Three years after the inclusivity initiative was first devised, the latest batch of students have just emerged from the three-day residential course which is typically run twice a year at the union’s Alvescot Lodge education centre.
The ten participating activists from branches across the country (pictured) underwent an intensive and thought-provoking programme to explore how the union can improve its engagement with black and minority ethnic (BAME) members and how to develop their own leadership skills.
Michelle Bailey of Midland No.1 branch explained: “The training was a very enjoyable experience and the group was fantastic – with all participants very supportive and respectful of each other’s cultural differences and life experiences.
“We learned how as reps we can help encourage other BAME members become active in the branch,” she continued, adding that the training had generated lots of debate and the sharing of ideas as to how they can better support members at a local level.
Michelle – who first became active in the CWU as a member of the old Birmingham, Black Country & Worcester Branch, inspired by former branch secretary Vicki Cornelius, and is now Midland No.1 Branch equality officer, added: “I would say to any black/BAME member wanting to become more active or thinking about coming on this course to join up for the next one. It was the most interesting and enjoyable course I’ve attended, exceeded my expectations and most definitely could have soaked up the entire week.”
Course tutor Winston Richards – himself a member of the union’s Race Advisory Committee and long-time chair of the Greater London Combined branch – said: “The students showed so much enthusiasm for the course; they want to make a difference and are very keen to find out about all areas of the union, so we must take this further to ensure this course can be the springboard for local, regional and national participation in developing BAME activity at all levels.
“All attendees have been, or are, active in community projects locally or internationally, and in this one class alone there was a rich pool of talent that just has to be supported and nurtured.”
Winston continues: “It was also interesting to hear what inspired students to become activists in the first place, as everyone has a story or an event that brought us here in the first place. There were accounts of racist behaviour, bullying and harassment in the workplace and even exclusion from Branch activities that, whilst not making for comfortable reading, is a significant factor which we all need to address.
“On the plus-side, however, the inclusion of the BAME officer role in the CWU Rule Book and the Branch Constitution provides an opportunity for BAME members to become active where that opportunity has not previously existed,” he stressed.
“I urge branches to encourage and support BAME officers who haven’t yet been on this course to sign up as soon as possible.”
Assistant secretary Trish Lavelle, who heads up the union’s newly merged Equality, Learning & Development department, agrees, concluding: “Although dates have not yet been finalised, I’d anticipate the next BAME Leadership course will take place in the Autumn. Going forward, the frequency of these courses will very much be driven by demand – because under the union’s ongoing Redesign programme our focus on making the union’s structures more reflective of the membership we serve has never been stronger.”
- Once further courses have been scheduled, details will be posted on the CWU Education and Training website (https://education.cwu.org)
Branches that are experiencing difficulties in recruiting BAME activists should make contact with the Equality, Learning & Development department for help and advice.