BMWED members from the southeast gathered outside Nashville this week for the fourth and final installment of the 2024 Learning Labs. Learning Labs are three-day intensive, hands-on educational events offering Lodge Officers new and old an opportunity to practice and hone skills they can then use to add value and impact to their local lodge meetings and beyond.

“It is most important that our Brotherhood continues to build on the education and skills of our members, especially those who are eager to get involved,” BMWED President Tony Cardwell said. “I have been encouraged at the abilities and desire of all the members who have participated in every Learning Lab educational this year. This is important work and the knowledge and discussion that presents itself at these classes is imperative to the future success of our Brotherhood and will be instrumental in our victories.”

Though the Learning Lab series has concluded for this calendar year, BMWED Education Director Ash Anderson has another slate of classes tentatively scheduled for 2025. If you are interested in attending, you are encouraged to reach out to your system federation officers or directly to Brother Anderson at his email address, aanderson@bmwe.org

Those topics included in a typical three-day lab are:

• Understanding and effectively communicating about the Railway Labor Act and BMWED Bargaining.

• Using Robert's Rules of Order, BMWED Ritual, and parliamentary procedure to make Lodge meetings more effective and meaningful for our members.

• Setting effective agendas at the Lodge level.

• Roundtable discussions on tips, techniques, or ideas to improve meeting attendance and participation.

• Guided exercises on completing necessary Lodge financial reports and records.

• Understanding and enforcing BMWED Bylaws and other governing documents.

• Presentations on the Railroad Employees National Health & Welfare Plan (the national agreement healthcare plan) and new benefits or resources available to our members covered under the national healthcare plan.

• Breakout sessions with System Division and Federation officers for guidance and training on claims handling and agreement issues.

• Practical exercises on developing the Lodge Strike plan and effective internal organizing work.

• Guided discussions and presentations on BMWED Safety Department work, Legislative Department work, and other topics.