Getting ready
05/Jan/2007 00:07
The Harvard Trade Union
Program brings together 30 or so trade union leaders
each year for an intensive six weeks of training. I
am joining the class of 2007 and plan to report on
the experience through this blog.
The session begins in a
few days. I am not quite sure what to expect. As of
today the program web site outlines the daily schedule for
the 2006 session, but nothing about 2007. I
suspect the rhythm of the program doesn't change
that much from year-to-year. It looks intense,
with a lot of seminars. Understandably the focus
is on the US labour movement.
My main worry at this point now is being separated from my youngest for six weeks. I've been travelling with my job since she was born 16 years ago, but I've never been away from her for longer than a couple of weeks at a time. Being away from home is of course is one of the drawbacks of residential leadership programs. Few women can leave their kids behind.
The other barrier is cost, of course. I am fortunate to be on a sabbatical leave from work, receiving 80 per cent of my regular pay and my union is covering the cost of the course. I'm checking out the Harvard program to see what it can offer to Canadian union leaders in elected or staff positions.
My next post will be from Cambridge, after the long drive from Ottawa. I just hope the good weather holds and the roads stay clear.
My main worry at this point now is being separated from my youngest for six weeks. I've been travelling with my job since she was born 16 years ago, but I've never been away from her for longer than a couple of weeks at a time. Being away from home is of course is one of the drawbacks of residential leadership programs. Few women can leave their kids behind.
The other barrier is cost, of course. I am fortunate to be on a sabbatical leave from work, receiving 80 per cent of my regular pay and my union is covering the cost of the course. I'm checking out the Harvard program to see what it can offer to Canadian union leaders in elected or staff positions.
My next post will be from Cambridge, after the long drive from Ottawa. I just hope the good weather holds and the roads stay clear.
|