In the fiscal year July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006, the Institute for Labor Studies and Research continued to be the largest provider of workplace adult education in Rhode Island. Detailed below are the many courses, workshops, events, renewed initiatives, new initiatives and general activities for the year. The total number of participants for all activities of operation is 3168.

 

  New and renewed projects that we are working on include:

 

Ø      The new ILSR Mobile Education Center is now underway.

Ø      Published. A New edition of Nontraditional Jobs for Women booklet

Ø      Completed an ESL and job placement program for 120 workers laid off by Home Goods warehouse

Ø      Continued our partnership with the RI Office of Training & Development to offer incentive credit courses

Ø      Completed developing a new strategic plan

 

 

3,168 participants in 139 classes, events and workshops

Courses                                                                                    # participants

Aug. 10 &17, Effective Writing                                                                 26

Aug. 12, Exploring the Link: Animal Abuse and Violence                 24

Aug. 12, Working with Animal Abusing Individuals                            21

Sept. 8 – Oct. 6, Introduction to Microsoft Word                                 14

Sept. 8 – Oct. 6, Introduction to Microsoft Excel                                 14

Sept. 13 – Oct. 11, Introduction to Microsoft Excel                            14

Sept. 13 – Oct. 11, Microsoft Access Fundamentals and Design 14

Sept. 13 – Oct. 11, Achieving Customer Service Excellence          23

Sept. 15 – Oct. 20, Organizational Behavior                                     12

Sept. 19 - Dec. 12, Practical Spanish for Your Job                          9

Sept. 20 – Oct. 18, Making Effective Presentations                         18

Oct. 13 – Nov. 17, Microsoft Access Fundamentals and Design 14

Oct. 13 – Nov. 17, Intermediate Microsoft Excel                               13

Oct. 18 – Nov. 22, Intermediate Microsoft Excel                               14

Oct. 18 – Nov. 15, Intermediate Microsoft Word                               14

Oct. 12 – Dec. 7, Communication Skills                                            5

Nov. 3 – Dec. 8, the Art of Self-Management                                     25

Dec. 1 Introduction to PowerPoint                                                       12

Jan. 10 (a.m.) Introduction to Excel                                                     12

Jan. 10 (p.m.) Introduction to Excel                                                     11

Jan. 10 (a.m.) Introduction to Word                                                     12

Jan. 10 (a.m.) Introduction to Word                                                      9

Jan. 25-May 3, Contemporary Labor Problems                                9

Jan 25 – Feb. 22, the Art of Self Management                                   26

Jan. 27 Effective Writing                                                                         25

Feb. 7 Effective Presentations                                                              9

Feb. 16 Introduction to Access                                                             14

March 7 Intermediate Word (a.m.)                                                        8

March 7 Intermediate Word (p.m.)                                                       11

March 7 Intermediate Excel (a.m.)                                                       11

March 21 Grant Writing                                                                          13

March 28-Ap. 25 Professional Communications, Section 1           25

March 29-Ap. 26 Professional Communications, Section 2           25

March 31 PowerPoint                                                                             7

April 11 - May 16 Access Fundamentals & Design (a.m.)              11

April 11 – May 16 Access Fundamentals & Design (p.m.)             11                    

April 13 – May 18 Introduction to Word                                               13

April 13 – May 18 Introduction to Excel                                               13              

May 1-June 5 Mediation Skills in the Workplace                              11

May 16-June 13 Successful Supervision                                          17

May 17-June 14   All in a Day’s Work                                                  25

May 23 – June 20 Intermediate Word                                                11

May 25 – June 22 Introduction to Excel                                             10

May 25 – June 22 Intermediate Excel (1)                                          12

May 25 – June 22 Intermediate Excel (2)                                          10

June 21-July 26 Effective Writing                                                        26

 

Total Participants:             683

    

RI Workforce Literacy and Education Project brought unions and business together to promote literacy in Rhode Island. 

 

Workplace Adult Education Classes                                     # participants

Teamsters and RI Hospital, 2 GED &   2 ESL                                   40

MCM Technologies, 1 ESL                                                                    8

LIUNA 1033, 4 Computer Courses                                                     40

UNITE HERE & Westin, 1 ESL                                                             11

SEIU 615, 2 ESL                                                                                      35

             12 classes                                            Total Participants: 134

Upcoming classes:

UNITE HERE & Westin           Bryant College      AFSCME 1350 & MHRH

 

Home Goods Workers Education Program

      The Institute conducted 7 ESL classes and job development for members of UNITE HERE laid-off by the Home Goods warehouse in Mansfield, MA.  More than 60 people have been placed in jobs.                                                

7 classes                                                                Total Participants:    120   

 

Mobile Education Center 

Over 182 people came through the MEC and 137 were served in either counseling or in an instructional capacity in one or more then one class. Eighty (80) of those folks completed enough hours to be enrolled. The final retention rate for 15 MEC classes was 86%, which is high for adult education.  90% of the ESOL students post-tested in May showed an increase in their literacy skills. 47% showed an increase of more than one level.  46% of the students met their primary work or education goal. One student’s boss told her that her language and computer skills improved tremendously on the job. Eight (8) unemployed students found jobs as a result of the program and two (2) participants are receiving training at Network RI. Three students have moved on to CCRI and Brown University programs. 40 students graduated from the program on June 28^th in a MEC celebration in Central Falls. With scholarship money we also offered Spanish classes to 5 employees of the Central Falls public employees union Council 94 Local 1627.

Many hours were devoted to program development but additionally many hours were devoted to repairing the truck or trying to deal with an unexpected facilities issue. Despite the many glitches, students came and displayed an unwavering commitment to the program. The program will continue in Central Falls through a library services grant which will serve the bulk of students who did not finish our program or are unable to find a class through another agency.

Citizens bank has committed $25,000 annually for 4 years to the MEC project. We have moved the MEC to Shaw’s Market on Hartford Ave. in Johnston to offer classes to UFCW Local 791 and the community. So far we have 18 participants in three computer and Pre-GED classes.

           15 classes                        Total Participants:  182

 

Workshops and Events                                                                      # participants

Oct. 11 & 19, Contract Administration                                                       13

Oct. 26, Workplace Discrimination                                                            21

Nov. 1, How to Manage Your Boss                                                            20

Nov. 2, Health and Safety                                                                            8

Nov. 9, Introduction to Labor Law                                                              20

Nov. 29, Legal Rights & Responsibilities of Stewards                         30

Dec 14, Giving Thanks                                                                                50

March 9, Social Security                                                                             12

March 23, Workers’ Compensation                                                         14

March 30, State Retirement System                                                         20

April 4, Steward Training                                                                            16

May 18, Labor Education Awards Evening (see detail to follow)        300

June 28, MEC Graduation                                                                          40     

 

                                                 Total Participants                                        474                          

 

Workplace Rights/Labor in the Schools Workshops                             # participants

Oct. 12 South Kingston High School , 3 workshops                                    15

Oct. 26 Train-the-Trainer for School Based Coordinators                           8

Oct. 28 Western Collaborative                                                                          15        

Nov. 2 Goodwill Industries Teachers/Counselors                                        20

Nov. 21 Northern RI Collaborative 6 workshops                                           175 

Nov. 22 Southern RI Collaborative 4 workshops                                          100

March 27 Train-the-Trainer for School Based Coordinators                       11

March 31 Train-the-Trainer for School Based Coordinators                        9

April 4 Train-the-Trainer for School Based Coordinators                              7

April 11, N. Smithfield High School                                                                _ 15

                                               Total Participants                                                    375

 

Leadership for A Future- Flyers available                                                                               

    The Institute conducted the sixth annual Leadership for a Future training program for potential leaders from labor, community and religious organizations.  The training program began January 20 and ran to June 1, 2006. 

 

                                                                   Total Participants                      26

 

 

 

 

Immigrant Workers Rights Project

Immigrant Workers Rights Project –Workers Comp. Advisory Board Proposal

To develop a public education campaign for minority workers, The Institute is participating in the Minority Task Force of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council.  

 

Workers’ Rights/Compensation Training    for Immigrant Workers     # participants

July-December, Seven Workers’ Compensation sessions in Spanish                   25

July 11, One Workers’ Comp. Vocational Counseling session in Spanish            1

Oct. 21, Workers’ Comp. Community Organizations Training                                   10

Oct. 31, Dealing with Minority Workers in Workers’ Comp.                                         60

Nov. 8, Dealing with Minority Workers in Workers’ Comp. For Beacon Mutual       60

Mar. 27, Workers’ Rights in Spanish at Providence Public Library                           15

Apr. 4, Workers’ Rights in Spanish for International Institute                                     40

Apr. 5, Workers’ Rights in Spanish for International Institute                                     40

Apr. 9, Workers’ Rights in Spanish for St. Theresa’s Church                                     80

Apr. 13, Workers’ Rights in Spanish at Making Connections/Prov. Public Library 15

May 30, Workers Rights in Spanish for Genesis Center                                           _20

                                                                      Total Participants                                           446         

New Customized Programs since last annual report: 

Computer courses for LIUNA 1033

Spanish course for LIUNA 1033

Computer Courses for Donley Center

Spanish Class for AFSCME Council 94

 

 Customized Training Programs                                                          # participants

July, two computer courses for the Donley Center                                               20

August, two computer courses for the Donley Center                                         20

September, one computer courses for the Donley Center                                10

October, two computer courses for the Donley Center                                       20

Oct. 17-26, Computer I for LIUNA 1033                                                                 10

Oct. 17-Nov. 9, Computer I for LIUNA 1033                                                           10

Oct. 17-Nov. 12, Computer I for LIUNA 1033                                                         10

Oct.17, Two sessions of Steward Training for UFCW 791                                 100

Oct. 25 and 27, CDL for LIUNA 1033                                                                       28     

November, Four computer courses for the Donley Center                                 40

December, Two computer courses for the Donley Center                                 20

January, Two computer courses for the Donley Center                                      20

Jan. 18, Steward Training for AFSCME 2869                                                        15

Jan. 28, Steward Training for LIUNA 808                                                               45

February, Two Computer Courses for Donley Center                                         20

February-March, One Spanish Course for LIUNA 1033                                      10

March, 2 Computer Courses for Donley Center                                                    20        

April-June, Practical Spanish for AFSCME 1627                                                   6

April, 6 Computer Courses for Donley Center                                                       60                   

April 27 UNAP Seminar- Unions and Politics                                                        50

May 3 Steward Training for the Woonsocket Teachers Guild                             40

May, 3 Computer Courses for Donley Center                                                        30

May 30, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for Painters Union Apprentices          30

                                                                Total Participants                                        628              

 

 

 

Highlights

Sept 2005-Golf Tournament, The 2005 tournament was cancelled but the Director and development staff  determined a new place, date and time for the next tournament. It will be Fri., a.m. Aug. 25, Swansea Country Club.

Dec 2005-Fundrasing: Giving thanks

On December 14, 2005 the ILSR hosted a “Giving Thanks” reception to publicly recognize our generous donors. More then 50 people gathered to hear students and teachers talk about successes in the classroom and present appreciation awards.

 

 

May 2006-ILSR Annual Dinner- Pam McMichael, the Executive Director of the Highlander Center was the keynote speaker at the Institute for Labor Studies Annual Awards Dinner on May 18^th at the RI Convention Center.  The Highlander Center was founded in 1932 as an adult education center for civil rights activists, union members, community organizers and educators.  During the day, Pam gave an informal talk to community and union a leader which was very interesting and successful.

 

Hiring of Development Manager/Labor Educator- In this position, we have had some staff turnover. Maureen Martin left us in October 2005 and after 8 months Margo Guernsey resigned from her position to move to Florida. Together both Development managers raised money for the Institute and broaden the scope of our contacts and network. In the month of June and before he fell ill, the Executive Director hired Roger Boudreau on a part time basis. Roger has eagerly taken on the Golf Tournament, and Labor Vision and is a welcome addition to the staff.

.

 

Fall 2005-Winter 2006 Strategic Planning – The last Strategic Planning meeting was in January 2006. The strategic plan was modified along with the Mission and Values for 2006-2009. (Please refer the attached draft Strategic Plan revisited by the Director on 1-27-2006. The remaining meetings have been postponed until we can resolve some staffing and budgetary concerns.

 

Spring 2006-Rhode Island Labor Vision: Labor Vision started a new format with an exploration of one topic for each show. To date 3 programs have been aired: Government, Health Care, and Taxes. Thanks to major support from Working Rhode Island, United Association of Plumbing and Pipefitting Local 51, RI Council 94 AFSCME, National Education Association RI, RI Federation of Teachers & Health Professionals, IBEW Local 99,  SEIU State Council, Painters & Allied Trades DC 11, RI Building Trades Council and UFCW 328. 

 

Website: Statistics for the Website reflect Feb 2006-June 2006. Previous Statistics were unavailable. The ILSR web site attracted averages 5075 visitors a month. The total number of visits was 25, 376 and the total number of hits equals 148,504. The ILSR website’s usage increased dramatically in the beginning of 2006 and from the previous fiscal year averages (+41%) It proves to be an important tool for those searching for information about their rights on the job and job training. Most of the hits and visits were in those two areas of the website.

 

 

 

 

FYE June 30, 2007 Initial Projected Budget.  See attached Budget

 

ILSR Staff:

Executive Director: Charles Schwartz

 

Director of Administration: Roberta Nelson

 

Associate Director/Director of Adult Education: Jacqueline Kelly

 

Adult Education Project Coordinator: Denise DiMarzio

 

Program Director: Carolina Bernal

 

Communications Coordinator:  James Reinbold

 

Development Manager: Maureen Martin until 0ct 2005, Margo Guernsey Oct 2005- June 2006, Roger Boudreau June 23, 2006

 

Mobile Learning Center Project Director: Kristen McKenna  

 

Labor Vision Videographer and Technician:      Sean McVeigh

 

Workplace, MEC Home Goods Literacy Instructors/ Counselors/Coordinators FYE 2006

          

Sherry Fiaux

Amy Hanson

Alex Ocampo

Tracey Corporan

Denise DiMarzio

Brady Dunklee

Francesca Gould

Kenneth Perlow

     Sophie Tan

     Mary Traeger

    

Note: this report was updated by the Executive Director, Charles Schwartz, on June 12, 2006, but was completed by a combination of efforts from the ILSR staff throughout the year. We respectfully submit it to the Board for comment and approval.

Kristen P. McKenna Jan 11. 2007

 

ILSR Board of Trustees

 

 

Chair:         Frank J. Montanaro, President, Rhode Island AFL-CIO

                        President, Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters

 

Vice-Chair:  Paul A. MacDonald, President, Providence Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO

 

Sec.-Treasurer:      Lawrence E. Purtill, President, National Education Association Rhode Island

 

Director: Charles V. Schwartz

 

Members:         Kenneth Aurecchia, Business Manager, United Association of Plumbing and

                        Pipefitting, Local 51

 

Dennis Grilli, Executive Director, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 94

 

Marc Gursky, attorney, Gursky Law Associates

 

Donald S. Iannazzi, Business Manager, Laborers' International Union of North America, Local 1033

 

Stan Israel, Vice President, New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199/Service Employees International Union

 

Jenna Karlin, UNITE HERE, Local 217

 

William Kennedy, Retired Assistant to Director, United Steelworkers of America

 

William McGowan,  Business Manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union, Local 2323

 

Sara Mersha, Executive Director, DARE/Direct Action for Rights and Equality

 

Scott Molloy, Professor, Schmidt Labor Research Center, University of Rhode Island

 

Stuart Mundy, Secretary-Treasurer, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 251; International Representative, Teamsters International Union

 

Mario Bueno, Progreso Latino

 

Marcia Reback, President, Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Care   Professionals, American Federation of Teachers

 

James Riley, Secretary-Treasurer, United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 328

 

William Shuey, Director, International Institute of Rhode Island