Since the early 1970’s our Union has offered a Family Education Program for members and their families. The program takes place during the summer months at the Unifor Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario. Deadline for application is Friday, April 22, 2022. The selection process is complete by early May.
Every Unifor member, and their immediate family members, including dependent children up to 18 years of age, are eligible to attend the Family Education Program. If selected by the local/national union to attend, the member agrees to give up their vacation time and the national union covers costs for meals and accommodations while at the Unifor Family Education Centre.
The Centre offers programs for different age groups, which includes classroom time, recreation and family events. Preteens participate in recreational programs run by fully-trained child care workers and counselors. Teenagers participate in a specially-designed program which recognizes their unique interests but also incorporates the issues of social unionism in their curriculum. Adults, both members and their spouse/partner, combine learning and recreational activities and come away from the program with a better understanding of how to integrate trade unionism and social activism in the life of the family and community. Through small group discussions, case studies, video presentations, guest speakers, role plays, art, music and other activities, participants draw from their own experiences and learn from each other about environmental, workplace, political, human rights, and social issues affecting all of us, our families, and working people around the world.