RiseUp! Educational Conference
2026 Rise Up Award Nominations:
Nominate an outstanding member for one of WFSE's three Rise Up Awards:
-LAURIE MERTA STEWARD OF THE YEAR AWARD
-RISING STAR STEWARD AWARD
-HOWARD JORGENSON ORGANIZING AWARD
RISE UP Registration information -
As the conference has limited space, we encourage you to register promptly. The Registration information has gone out in an email. If your registration ends up being waitlisted, we will keep you updated on your status.
Workshop Options & Descriptions:
(subject to change)
Practical Skills in Advanced Organizing: For those who are already comfortable with basic organizing conversations, practice adapting asks to complex, high-stakes, or resistant situations.
Welcoming Our Coworkers: The first step to growing our union is deliberate and strategic new colleague outreach. Learn ways to give a warm WFSE welcome to everyone!
Campaigns & Communication: Collective action is one of our greatest strengths. Learn how to create escalating campaigns with a strong media and communications component.
No Other Workforce Has More at Stake: The future of state employees and their agencies is closely tied to the changing political landscape in Washington state. Join this workshop to learn more about the elections process, how to talk to your coworkers, and get more involved.
Labor Always Rises: Workers joined in solidarity have made incredible strides at the national, state, and Council level. This labor history workshop shows us how the lessons of the past can guide us today and tomorrow.
Just Cause in Principle & Practice: Just cause ideals guide us in our contracts and our representation work. Learn more about the elements of just cause, and how they can inform our stewardship.
Assertive Contract Enforcement: What areas of our contracts are often violated, and what can we do to help members assert their rights? Learn tips and tricks on identifying grievances, conducting investigations, and writing remedies.
Travel costs, lodging (room and tax) and parking will be covered by the Council on Friday night for those who are 50 miles or more (one-way) away from the hotel. These costs will be covered for all registered attendees on Saturday night, as well.
Travel Policy:
If you do not make your airline and/or lodging arrangements by the deadline of March 13th, you will be responsible for making and paying for your own arrangements. Reimbursement for airline travel will be based on average cost from point to point locations and lodging will be reimbursed at the WFSE Conference contracted rate. If members neglect to check in or cancel their hotel reservation, the Local Union will be responsible for payment for one night's room and tax. It is also recommended that hotel guests have a credit card or cash when they check in with the hotel to cover incidental charges.
Questions about travel and lodging? Contact [email protected]
We hope to see you there!