1199SEIU homecare members of Chinese descent completed an intensive two-day activists training on June 18. The members will use their training to lead classes of their co-workers.

The Homecare Division members were awarded certificates of completion by 1199SEIU Secretary Treasurer at a brief celebration at the Union’s Manhattan headquarters.

The training included plenary sessions and workshops in topics such as:

• The role of the Union in the Homecare Industry,

• The responsibilities of a Union delegate,

• What’s in the Union contract and how does it work?

• Communicating with co-workers,

• The use of workplace actions,

• The importance of political action,

Time was allocated for members to discuss principles of popular education and how adults learn. Principles were reinforced through role playing.

“I now feel that I’m equipped to teach the class that I can help organize my co-workers and explain many things to them about Union,” says Mi LinLam Chau, a home health aide at Prestige Home Care Services in Manhattan and a member of the class.

Mi Lin Lam Chau was especially grateful for the role-playing. “It helped us learn how to communicate better with each other,” she says. “ I also wasn’t aware that the Union is involved in so many different things like politics and groups like the Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus (AAPI). I have an application to join the AAPI.”

June Shun Hing Lau Chan, a home health aide at Sunnyside Home Care Services on Long Island, also praised the classes. “The classes opened my eyes,” she says.

“I didn’t know how big and strong our Union is,” she adds. “I know that I’m part of a much bigger family with other healthcare workers in hospitals and nursing homes.

“Through our Union we can fight for all our rights, for things we couldn’t get by ourselves. I’ve lobbied in Albany, but now I want to help other members get involved.”

After the awarding of certificates, many of the members took photos as reminders and keepsakes of their achievements.