Events
Back Fence PDX & Tradeswomen Stories
OTI is really excited for the Tradeswomen Leadership Institute (TLI) this year! The show last year, My Walk Has Never Been Average, had such a great response (sold out 400 tickets) that we wanted to build on that momentum. With this in mind, we partnered with Back Fence PDX, an amazing, nationally recognized live storytelling series. Indeed, you read that correctly, LIVE storytelling! On Friday, September 25, 2015 five tradeswomen will put aside their hardhats and brave the stage to tell true, poignant, funny, and revealing stories about their lives and experiences as women in the trades. Back Fence PDX Producers B. Frayn Masters and Mindy Nettifee will graciously be coaching the storytellers and hosting the live show!
The live storytelling event will take place at DISJECTA – 8371 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR. The door will open at 6:30 pm with drinks and snacks available for purchase. Stories will begin at 7:30 pm. Please keep in mind that we have much more limited seating than last year and we expect that these tickets are going to sell out quickly! You can purchase them now for $15 per ticket.
Great! Now that you have your tickets, you can RSVP and share this event from Facebook. Thank you for your support! We can’t wait to see you there!
**If you are a tradeswomen, register for TLI and your ticket is included!
Out in the Union: A Labor History of Queer America
(Pictured from the left: Connie Ashbrook, Miriam Frank, Madelyn Elder)
We frequently find our dear Executive Director Connie Ashbrook out and about in the media – TV Interviews and Magazine Articles. We also know that the incredible Madelyn Elder is Northwest famous in the labor community, only recently stepping down as president of CWA before starting work full time for OTI as our Chief Financial Officer (We are so lucky!). Rarely do we find both of these incredible women featured in one place! Yet, this is exactly what you get in Miriam Frank’s Out in the Union: A Labor History of Queer America.
On Thursday August 6, the Q Center hosted Frank for a reading from the book. To appeal to her audience, she shared quotes and stories from Portland area activists. During a passage featuring Elder, there was laughter as she realized everything (including a small bit of scandal!) that she had shared during the interview. It was at this time that the audience discovered that Elder and Ashbrook had been interviewed in 1995 – making their quotes deliciously new to them as well! Frank, clearly fond of many of the attendees, casually interacted with the audience and invited them to comment and build on stories they had shared for the book – creating an atmosphere of community and camaraderie.
If you want a little taste right now, here are a couple of short quotes:
“Connie Ashbrook came out at work in the early 1990s. The ultraconservative Oregon Citizens Alliance (OCA) proposed Measure 9 (1992) … to mandate the firing of LGBT workers…Although the elevator construction industry was nobody’s target, Ashbrook came out at work merely by displaying a “No on 9″ bumper sticker on her lunch box. She told her union business agent that the measure would harm her personally.” (pg. 27)
“I don’t think the New York guys were interested in the gay thing at all but they were pissed at the local leadership, and they saw it as a union democracy issue. Then there were two gay men who came, telephone operators. And then some white male installers showed up, guys from Seattle, with their crew cuts. They were going, “Where’s the gays?” And there I am with my little hand raised. It was frightening to get up and talk about gay rights.” (Elder, pg 88)
For those of us who advocate for Queer Rights and Workers’ Rights OR those who just want to know what role Labor Advocates played in the Queer Movement – this book is for you. And Miriam Frank wrote this as oral histories, so you have a chance to get to know advocates who pushed the movement forward. Plus, it is a great way to get to know both Connie and Madelyn a little better – from their own voices 20 years ago. If you buy the book from Amazon, remember that you can do a little good for OTI at the same time, and support us with Amazon Smile.
Oregon Tradeswomen, Women’s Bureau Hold Roundtable on Female Retention in Trades
From top left: Steve Simms, Lili Hoag, Larry S. Williams, John Gardener, Connie Ashbrook, Betty Lock, Paloma Sparks, Meghan Moyer, Pat Daniels, Tiffany Thompson, Sara Gourley
Portland-region workforce development organizations were honored to host Women’s Bureau Region X Regional Administrator Betty Lock this week for a roundtable discussion on retention of women in trades apprenticeships. The group came together to discuss a persistent and vexing problem in the construction industry: A full 65 percent of women fail to complete their apprenticeships, a rate substantially higher than men’s termination rate of 35 percent.
The robust discussion was informed by experts in the field from the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, Worksystems, Inc., the Northwest College of Construction, Constructing Hope, Family Forward Oregon, and Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., who convened the meeting. Among the factors that contribute to the disparity in retention rates discussed by the group were jobsites and employers that remain hostile toward women, the fact that tradeswomen are dispatched to fewer work hours than their male apprentice counterparts, and the continued lack of supportive services that are tailored to the specific needs of workers in the construction industry.
Betty Lock hears from participants about challenges faced by female apprentices in the trades
Solutions offered by the group included emphasizing accountability and enforcement on projects that fail to meet diversity hiring targets, working with contractors and employers to stimulate demand for female workers, and tailoring supportive services to suit women working in the industry that have children. Many in attendance emphasized the importance of networking, noting that women and men of color are not being mentored into a network that guarantees them more access to the jobs that help them succeed in apprenticeship. Oregon Tradeswomen’s Advocacy Program Manager also offered a summary of its work on the Green Dot bystander intervention program, which could be employed on construction jobsites to reduce harassment of female and minority workers.
We look forward to continuing this discussion with our regional partners and the Department of Labor, as well as working together to refine and implement the best of these strategies in the future. Oregon Tradeswomen wishes to thank our regional partners, Betty Lock, and the Women’s Bureau for their commitment to women in the trades and for coming together to discuss this critical issue!
New Seminars for Educators and Employers at the Women in Trades Career Fair
In addition to providing learning opportunities for students and job seekers at the Women in Trades Career Fair, Oregon Tradeswomen is proud to announce a new seminar series taking place on May 14th for educators, employers, and career guidance counselors. In Apprenticeship 101, teachers and career guidance counselors will learn the basics about “the other 4-year degree” and how to help students successfully prepare for a meaningful career in the trades.
Employers, apprenticeship trainers, community college educators, and CTE professionals will be interested in attending Recruiting Women and Girls to Apprenticeship and Career & Technical Education (CTE) — an introduction to practical techniques used to increase the number of women and girls in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Our seminars for practitioners will take place right in the middle of all of the action at the Fair. In addition to learning in a classroom setting from expert apprenticeship trainers and Oregon Tradeswomen’s founder and executive director, seminar attendees will receive a guided tour of the Women in Trades Career Fair. They’ll also participate in hands-on workshops alongside the 1,000+ students that attend the Fair every year, and get to view the fun and inspiring Tradeswomen Work-Wear Fashion Show. Oregon Tradeswomen is also honored that Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian will join our group at the end of the day for a Q&A session for seminar attendees!
Whether you are a teacher or guidance counselor who’d like to learn the basics of apprenticeship, or you’re an industry veteran interested in learning more about diversifying your workforce, we know that you’ll learn a lot at the Women in Trades Career Fair Practitioner Seminars, and you’ll leave inspired by the energy of the tradeswomen and girls that make this event so special.
Register by clicking the purple button below:
Get Involved in the 2015 Women in Trades Career Fair
Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc.’s Women in Trades Career Fair is our largest (and most fun!) event of the year. With more than 30 interactive, hands-on workshops, it is a great way for girls and women to discover a future career. We serve about 2,000 women and girls over the course of three days. Without the help of volunteers, OTI wouldn’t be able to put on this event each year. Volunteers keep the event running smoothly and help with a variety of tasks. More than 100 volunteers cover 175+ shifts. Last year a volunteer commented on their participation in the Fair:
“I could tell that I was really needed to help the workshops run smoothly. There are a lot of schools in the building all at once and my presence let the workshop leaders do their job – teaching the girls. This was one of the better volunteer experiences I have had and I can’t wait to come back next year! Plus, you get lunch and really cool t-shirt.”
Please sign up to join the ranks of people who volunteer during the Women in Trades Career Fair and help us produce another fantastic event in 2015.
Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class Graduation – March 2015
Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. cordially invites you to attend the Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class Graduation!
Date:
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Time:
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Location:
The Auditorium,
PCC Metro Workforce Training Center
5600 NE 42nd Avenue
Portland OR 97218
Name of Graduate and Trade Goal:
Katy “Kat” Adishian — Tree Trimmer
Elizabeth “Liz” Blalock — Carpenter
Amy Buffaloe — Welder
Jennifer Burns — Electrician
Emily Hannigan — Carpenter
Anna “Donka” Hardy — Carpenter
Katie Kuchta — Carpenter
Katie Lee — Heavy Equipment Operator
Jenefer Nickel — Carpenter
Brittany “Britt” Smyton — Carpenter
Marci Szlavich — Electrician
Dulce Valenzuela — Carpenter
Mandy Warner-Olsen — Sheet Metal
Alexandra “Alie” Wettstein — Carpenter
Sarah Winans — Tree Trimmer
This May in Los Angeles: Pre-Apprenticeship Training Institute
Attention pre-apprenticeship program trainers and professionals!
With growing national focus on and funding for apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship training programs will become an increasingly important first step in the construction careers ladder. The 2nd Annual Pre-Apprenticeship Training Institute will provide an opportunity for pre-apprenticeship practitioners to network with their peers from around the country and learn from a variety of experienced trainers.
Join your colleagues and peers to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and best practices for creating pre-apprenticeship programs that help all members of your community enter and benefit from apprenticeship and skilled construction trades occupations.
The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Institute is hosted by the State Construction and Building Trades Council of California, and planned by pre-apprenticeship program staff and policy experts from around the nation. It will take place one day prior to the Women Building the Nation conference, which pre-apprenticeship institute attendees are also encouraged to attend.
Professionals encouraged to attend include:
- Apprenticeship Training Directors and Coordinators
- Pre-Apprenticeship Program Managers and Frontline Staff (Instructors, Outreach Coordinators, Case Mangers and Job Developers)
- National Workforce Development Agencies
- Tradeswomen Volunteers and Mentors. (Note: The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Institute is designed for practitioners, NOT for pre-apprenticeship students.)
Attendees can register for either or both events here. The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Institute registration page is here.
Coming this May: Annual Women Building the Nation Conference in Los Angeles!
The national tradeswomen’s conference, Women Building the Nation, is set to take place in Los Angeles, California, May 1-3! With an expected attendance of over 1,000 tradeswomen, union leaders, apprenticeship coordinators, contractors, and politicians, the fifth annual Women Building the Nation conference will be the most exciting and productive conference yet!
In addition to networking with other tradeswomen from around the country, conference goers will build new skills, engage in leadership development and learn more about organizing through more than 40 different workshops and plenary sessions. Workshop tracks include: Pre-apprentices; Staying In and Staying Strong; Promoting Leadership; Policy & Politics; Career Ladders; and Nourishing Extras.
A special Pre-Apprenticeship Training Institute will be held on May 1 for coordinators and staffers of pre-apprenticeship programs. Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. is proud to serve on the National Task Force on Tradeswomen’s Issues, which is planning the conference’s closing event, a policy forum designed to inspire tradeswomen to work together to lift our sisters around the country and elevate tradeswomen’s issues to the national stage.
Please join us in turning out the largest ever Oregon delegation to the Women Building the Nation conference! Last year we had 42 conference attendees from Oregon, representing 16 different locals. Help us beat last year’s attendance and represent Oregon, your trade, and your local this year in Los Angeles!
In general, it will cost about $600 – $1000 for one person to attend the conference.
- Registration fees are $100/person
o $75 reduced early bird fee if you register by Friday, February 20
o Additional $15 discount for members of BCTD-affiliated unions
o Registration includes two continental breakfasts, two lunches, and a reception - Hotel Rate is $129/night, reservations can be made at the Sheraton Gateway LAX
- Flights running $210 – 400 as of January 27 according to kayak.com
Join with other conference goers, like 2014 attendee Maddie Ettlin, in experiencing the power of tradeswomen in community.
“The 2014 Women Build California and the Nation Conference began before it even officially started. Flying from Portland to Sacramento, there were already five or six different trades represented by delegations of women proud of their union membership. Tradeswomen tend to stand out in a crowd, and we’re eager to find each other. We were everywhere! In restaurants, in cabs, all over the airport, walking to and from hotels and preparing our business. As a member of Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc, I feel like I have a strong community of tradeswomen around me, and our numbers are nothing to sniff at. But I had only been around a large group of tradeswomen a handful of times, and it was nothing compared to stepping foot into the convention center at the opening plenary. Our sheer numbers will forever impress upon me that I am not alone, no matter how it may feel from job to job.“
Now that you want to go, the question is how? Well, luckily for you we can help you with your quest. OTI can provide guidance about making motions to the floor at your union meeting, how to write letters requesting support, a sample letter, and some talking points about the conference! That’s right, we have tried to make it as easy as possible to incorporate between all of your hard work. Would you still like some more support? Contact Tiffany and she would be more than happy to explore how OTI can support you.
How to write a letter requesting union support
Women Building California and the Nation conference talking points
We want to see you at Women Building the Nation this year! Let’s turn it out for tradeswomen in Oregon and across the country.
Fifty Licks Ice Cream Fundraising Event for OTI
Fifty Licks was so inspired by the Willamette Week Give!Guide that they stepped up to support every one of the 137 local nonprofits that were featured in 2014! Starting on December 28th, they have dedicated one day to each nonprofit and will donate 10% of proceeds! They have devoted Thursday, January 22nd to OTI!
They offer an array of seasonal flavors, classics, and even sorbet for those who avoid dairy. They also offer amazing hot chocolate, cocktails, and a daily happy hour from 3:00pm – 6:00 pm.
You can learn more about Chad, the owner of the 50 Licks ice cream, check out a recent interview with him on Right at the Fork, a local food-centric podcast.
You can click this link for the event on Facebook if you would like to share it and invite your friends to participate!
Details:
Thursday, January 22
3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Fifty Licks Ice Cream
2021 SE Clinton Street
Portland OR 97202
We hope to see you there!
OTI’s Annual Meeting
Save the Date for OTI’s Annual Meeting!
Thursday January 29, 2015
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location:
Old Town Brewing
5201 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Portland, OR 97211
Join us!
Come and spend an evening with OTI staff and all of the tradeswomen you haven’t seen for awhile. It is a big gathering to kick off the new year!
Delicious Food!
OTI will fill your belly. We will have free food at the event to cover your dinner needs. No host bar.
Prizes!
What? Yes, this year OTI will have a raffle of some great items, including to tickets for a Radical 80s Cruise generously donated by the Portland Spirit!