As Annual General Meeting (AGM) season unfolds, now is the perfect time to consider taking a more active role within Fórsa.

Whether you picture yourself as a Workplace Representative or aspire to join the Branch Executive Committee as an officer, Fórsa has tailored courses to suit individuals at all stages of engagement with the union.

While in the role little over a year, our director of membership training Fiona Dunne, has developed a robust capacity building calendar to help you navigate the alphabet soup of acronyms and the sometimes confusing (but always democratic) structures of your union.

Fiona puts her emphasis on the importance of training down to her own roots as a shop steward.

“I really believe in training. I know it sounds like a bit of a cliché. I learned that we’re only as good as our most capable activists. If we’re building our activists, we need them to be strong and confident in what they’re doing.”

Under Fiona’s auspices, there will be 22 sessions a year for brand new members. The first training is called Fórsa 101 and is a fun, fast paced two-and-a-half hours long introduction to the structures of the organisation.

“We give an overview of 10 actions to take as an active member, including simple things like staying abreast of the latest union communications, talking to your rep, engaging with our social media, and, of course, the act of voting in ballots. We try to encourage them from day one. I want to provide people with as much information as possible,” described Fiona.

There are sessions for everyone. From union newcomers, to people who are looking to cover the basics or hone their skills as a workplace representative, branch treasurer, secretary or chair. Upcoming courses include:

• Expanded Workplace Representatives in Limerick on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th February
• Equality Module in Cork on Tuesday 13th February
• Fórsa101 online on Wednesday 14th February
• Foundational Workplace Representatives programme in Sligo Wednesday 27 to Friday 29th February

“If any of these courses pique your interest, reach out to your branch executive committee for access to the application link. Once you apply, the Skills Academy team will guide you through the rest of the process. We don’t all have to be a rep, but we’d like everyone to be active, ” Fiona concluded.

You can apply for our courses by completing the application forms sent by email 4-6 weeks before each course. You can contact your branch executive committee for the link. Once you have applied, Skills Academy will handle the rest.