RWDSU 6-State Conference Brings Members Together for Training, Solidarity, and Fun
More than 100 RWDSU members from across the Midwest region and the Tennessee District Council and more gathered in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 3–4 for the annual RWDSU 6-State Conference. The two-day event focused on strengthening our union through education, organizing, and solidarity and has now gone far beyond 6-states bringing a wide span of training and solidarity across the RWDSU.
The conference brought together delegates to build skills, share experiences, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing RWDSU members today. Delegates took part in a series of interactive trainings covering collective bargaining, organizing, immigration issues, and more with sessions led by experienced RWDSU leaders and staff.
“Our strength as a union comes from informed, empowered members,” said Rhonda Richards, Regional Director and RWDSU Vice President. “When we invest in education and training, we build the power we need to win better contracts, protect our rights, and bring more workers into the movement.”
Coming together for trainings like this is essential to the RWDSU’s mission. These conferences give members the opportunity to learn directly from one another, to share best practices, strengthen connections across locals, and prepare for the challenges ahead. As industries evolve and corporate power grows, workers must be ready to respond with knowledge, strategy, and solidarity.
“The 6-State Conference helps ensure RWDSU members are equipped with the tools they need not only to defend their rights, but to expand them,” said Jason Ware, RWDSU National Field Director and RWDSU Vice President.
The atmosphere throughout the conference was one of unity and enthusiasm. Members shared stories from their workplaces, learned new tools for effective representation, and discussed strategies for confronting employer challenges across industries.
To cap off the conference, participants put their knowledge to the test in a lively Jeopardy-style game, covering RWDSU history, labor law, and best practices. The friendly competition highlighted not only how much participants had learned but also the strong sense of camaraderie that defines the RWDSU.
Events like this remind us that we’re part of something bigger, a movement of workers fighting together for fairness, dignity, and respect. Together, we’re continuing to build a stronger, smarter, and more united RWDSU.