Labor and Community Services

There are over 1 million active and retired union members in Michigan.

 

By strengthening the partnership between Michigan Union Members and United Ways, we empower our local campaigns and communities to grow stronger.

Our Labor program helps labor liaisons – community advocates who work to enhance the partnership between local unions and United Ways – deepen their understanding of state and community issues. This helps them assist local United Ways with their campaigns, implement national and state educational core programs, and serve as advocates on behalf of Michigan Association of United Ways, its partnership agencies, local unions, and local United Ways.

The 14 Michigan AFL-CIO Community Services Labor Liaisons work directly in their communities to complete a range of projects - from building handicap accessible ramps to running workplace campaigns for their local United Ways. The Michigan Labor Liaisons rally union members from across the state to donate invaluable volunteer time, all while enhancing the message of the United Way.

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Join us May 12 -16 in Onaway, MI for the 72nd Annual Michigan State AFL-CIO Community Services School.

Our Programs

  • January Staff Training

    This three-day program is available to Michigan AFL-CIO Community Services Liaisons. This training is designed to provide Labor Liaisons with information to build local training classes and help shape our annual Community Services School.

  • Michigan AFL-CIO Community Services School

    The week long school is held in Onaway, Michigan at the Walter & May Reuther UAW Family Education Center. The program offers labor students the opportunity to hear vibrant speakers, attend several workshops that meld United Way themes and the labor community, as well as participate in several service projects that benefit the community of Onaway.

  • Walt Campbell Award Dinner

    The Walt Campbell Awards Dinner serves as a momentous occasion for us to come together to celebrate the spirit of community service and honor the legacy of a remarkable individual, Walter Campbell. Established in 1977, the Walt Campbell Community Services Award stands as a beacon of recognition for those who exemplify unwavering dedication and commitment to serving their communities, mirroring the values upheld by our esteemed former Michigan State AFL-CIO Secretary/Treasurer.

“There is absolutely no way to measure the impact on individuals, communities or the nation that has been brought about by the partnership between Labor and the United Way. Through this partnership, this marriage of two organizations linked by a desire to create a better place to live, work and worship, thousands of lives have been changed, communities transformed and the way in which we meet the needs of a nation’s underserved addressed.