Members Learn and Organize at Rise Up 2026

Our union's 2026 Rise Up! Educational Conference brought over 150 members from all corners of our state together at the SeaTac Doubletree Saturday, April 11 & Sunday, April 12.

Today, all sorts of member leaders attend to sharpen their organizing and leadership skills, from Member Action Team leaders to local presidents to rank and file members looking for a way to get more involved.

Rise Up is held every other year in even-numbered years, alternating with WFSE's Leadership Summit, which is designed specifically for local officers.

WFSE members during the arbitration panel

Exploring New Skills Together

Members were able to select from a pool of workshops tailored to building leadership and strength.

In Labor Also Rises, we explored how our history as unionists informs our future.
In Welcoming Our Coworkers, members used role plays to practice strategic ways to reach new coworkers and bring them into our union.
Campaigns & Communication covered how to create a communications strategy to get results and spread the word during campaigns
No Other Workforce Has More at Stake showed members how to leverage electoral and legislative work to improve conditions for public workers;
Just Cause in Principle & Practice delved into how just cause ideals guide us in our contracts and representation work
Assertive Contract Enforcement covered how we can help members assert their rights when our contract is violated.

Looking for the workshop materials?

If you attended these workshops, you will receive the PowerPoint and/or handouts via email. These materials will also be published on wfse.org/locals so locals can deliver the trainings to members.

Recognizing Leadership, Strength & Rising Stars

With the budget challenges we are facing, the current economic climate, and the systematic attacks on public services and funding at the federal level, we've never needed an engaged and powerful membership more.

At the Rise Up banquet and awards ceremony, our union recognized extraordinary leadership and those who are going above and beyond for solidarity:

Laurie Merta Steward of the Year Award: Les Bowen, Secretary of State, Local 443
Rising Star Steward Award: Jennifer Martin-Smith, Eastern State Hospital, Local 782
Rising Star Steward Award: Reef Landrum, DCYF, Local 889
President's Award: Terll Stone, Central Washington University, Local 330
President's Award: Shelby Meyenburg, Employment Security Department
Howard Jorgenson Organizing Award: Jeanette Obelcz, DCYF

After the banquet and awards ceremony, members attended a game night with prizes.

Let's Keep Building Together

Want to get engaged and keep building a strong union? Here are some ways to get and stay active:

Fair Contract Now: 2027-29 Contract Negotiations:Get involved in our contract campaign. We're facing a tough budget forecast and we need every hand on deck. Find out what you can do to help build a strong contract.
Want to keep creating the strong relationships that make our worksites, locals, and entire union powerful? Consider joining or creating a Member Action Team!