About Us
Member education and mobilizing is at the heart of OPSEU's vision of unionism. The Education staff from the Campaigns and Member Education Unit works with staff and members all over OPSEU to:
- write and pilot new courses for regional education
- design sectoral leadership and development programs
- support effective design and facilitation of meetings, conferences and forums
- develop facilitation skills of members and staff for use at the local, regional and sectoral levels
- support campaigns and bargaining with effective mobilizing education
- work with locals and regions who want to strengthen their education programs
- work with Equity committees and caucuses to ensure the integration of equity into all OPSEU education programs
Click here to download the latest OPSEU Education Course Catalogue. Watch for updates on our programs and check for new dates to note in your calendar.
Regional Educationals
The goal of the OPSEU Education Policy is to provide educational programs that empower our members to effect meaningful change in their workplaces and their communities.
OPSEU offers training courses for activists, held on weekends at locations across the province, with expenses paid for by the Education Fund. These educationals are administered by OPSEU Regional Offices.
The focus of our regional schools is skills development geared to new members and activists. OPSEU has developed a wide range of courses. If you are interested in attending an OPSEU educational, contact your Local Executive Committee.
Click here for a schedule of Regional Educationals.
Click here for a list of our courses and course descriptions.
OPSEU Scholarships
OPSEU provides six scholarships awarded annually.
- NEW – OPSEU CAAT Support Staff Scholarship Fund – Application Deadline: January 31, 2016.
- The Larry Cripps Scholarship – Application Deadline: June 15, 2016. Applications after this date will not be considered.
- OPSEU Global Solidarity Scholarship – Application Deadline: June 15, 2016. Applications after this date will not be considered.
- The Curt Bishop Scholarship – Application Deadline: July 29, 2016. Applications after this date will not be considered.
- Hospital Professionals Division Scholarship – Application Deadline: September 1, 2016. Applications after this date will not be considered.
- The Carol McGregor Scholarship – Application Deadline: September 15, 2016. Applications after this date will not be considered.
Central Orientation for Local Presidents Course
This three-day workshop is an orientation for OPSEU local presidents to aid them with their leadership roles within the union. The session helps local presidents navigate OPSEU's organizational structure, systems, supports and resources.
Participants strategize on building an involved membership through steward development and contract enforcement with a focus on health and safety and equity as everyday local issues. Attention is given to mobilizing the local through effective communication, developing an inclusive leadership, exploring local by-laws, and developing strategic approaches to deal with employer tactics. Practical leadership skills to everyday situations are developed through group work and interaction and networking with other local presidents.
All elected, currently-serving local presidents who have not taken the Orientation for Local Presidents are eligible to participate when the course is offered. There is a selection process in place which ensures equitable representation from all regions. If there are more applications than available spaces in any session, selection is based on order of date of election as local president within each region.
Next scheduled Orientation for Local Presidents: November 2016
Applications will be made available to local presidents closer to the date.
Click here for Resources for Local Presidents
Short Courses (30 minutes to 3 hours)
An increasing number of locals are running short courses at noon hours, at meetings, or special events to ensure wider access of education to members. These programs are taught at the local level by members and by staff, usually in consultation with the Local Executive Committee.
Click here for available short course materials.
Hands-On Education Activities and Tools
The Campaigns and Member Education Unit has created many activities and tools for locals to use. We encourage locals to use these as discussion starters in your local meetings, lunch-and-learns and local educationals. As new activities and tools are created, they will be added to this section of Member Education.
Click here for education activities and tools.
Online Learning
OPSEU has launched a new animated video series as part of our education materials for members. Covering a range of topics, and responding to the increasing need for easy and ready access to education, these video animations hit the mark. These videos are accessible, available in English and French, and can be shown at any union event. They are easily integrated into local lunch and learns and provide a great introduction for new members.
View our new animated video series now on our YouTube channel.
Contact Us
The Education staff from the Campaigns and Member Education Unit can be reached at 416-443-8888 or 1-800-268-7376, at the following extensions:
- Michelle Langlois, Secretary – Ext. 8299
- Scott Kennedy, Education Officer – Ext. 8357
- Marty McFarlane, Education Officer – Ext. 8372
- Emily Visser, A/Education Officer, Bilingual – Ext. 8714
- Kay Singh, Education Officer (LOA)