Midwest School for Women Workers

Workers' Rights, Women's Rights, Human Rights: July 25-29, 2012

The University of Iowa Labor Center is pleased to host the 2012 school. Sponsored annually by the United Association of Labor Education, this year's school is held in cooperation with the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, with support from the Berger-Marks Foundation.

The school provides high-quality education in key leadership and representation skills along with opportunities for women from a range of unions to learn from one another and build solidarity.

Program Brochure and Registration Form

Download program brochure and registration form here

Please register by July 9 to insure availability of housing. Registrations received after July 9 will be accepted on a space available basis.

Tuition rates are as follows:
$350 commuter rate (includes parking, daily lunches, and one dinner)
$500 double room and board (includes parking, hotel, daily breakfasts & lunches, and one dinner)
$665 single room and board (includes parking, hotel, daily breakfasts & lunches, and one dinner)

Classes, Instructors, and Special Events

Participants will attend core skill-building classes each morning and afternoon throughout the school as well as numerous plenary and workshop sessions on current economic and policy issues affecting unions and workers. Special events will include an opening banquet and graduation luncheon, documentary film screenings, labor history and culture activities, and group action planning.

Agenda (posted 7-2-12) - download here

Core class description and selection form - download here

Confirmed guest instructors and speakers include:

Scholarship Assistance

As of July 3, a limited number of scholarships remain available for women whose organizations are unable to pay the full costs of tuition. If applying for a scholarship, please download the appropriate form below and return the completed form as soon as possible. Scholarship winners will be contacted by email.

Travel and Accomodations

By car or bus, Iowa City is approximately three hours from Madison, four hours from Chicago and Omaha, five hours from Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and St. Louis, and six hours from Indianapolis. Air travel to Iowa City is through the Eastern Iowa Airport, (CID), located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Click here for driving directions to the Iowa Memorial Union (conference location).

Classes will be held in the Iowa Memorial Union, along the riverfront in the center of the University of Iowa campus and Iowa City's downtown. Lodging will be in the adjoining Iowa House Hotel, a full-service hotel with many recently remodeled rooms. School participants will receive complimentary parking, internet access, and access to campus fitness facilities.

Interpretation for non-English Speakers

Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish or other languages may be made available if requested at least one month in advance.