Programs
The Women and Fair Practices Department is devoted to promoting the civil, human, women's and workers' rights of federal and D.C. government workers. The departments support and implement the priorities of AFGE in four program areas that include: education and training, member mobilization and organizing, legislative/political action, and representation through litigation.
EEO Trainings
WFP offers virtual and in-person EEO training courses at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced level, in addition to specialized courses in EEO Writing and Reasonable Accommodations.
In collaboration with AFGE’s Field Services and Education Department, WFP offers online EEO courses about WFP, federally protected classes, processes and timelines, diversity and inclusion, theories of discrimination, burdens of proof, remedies in EEO matters, DC protected classes, and DC filing processes and deadlines. Check out these online EEO courses.
WFP Coordinator Trainings
Reach out to WFP at [email protected] to learn more about WFP’s Coordinator Bootcamp Training. This coordinator bootcamp workshop is designed to sharpen the understanding of the role of a Coordinator as an elected or appointed Local leader. Whether serving as a Women, Fair Practices, PRIDE or Y.O.U.N.G. Coordinator, a lot of the same principles apply. Participants will enhance their knowledge of key civil, human, women, and workers’ rights issues. Participants will also learn how to identify and work with like‐minded organizations through coalition building.”
Service Through Action and National Development (S.T.A.N.D.) Summit and Training Conference
- Our annual S.T.A.N.D. Summit brings together the women of AFGE and their allies from across the country for three days of workshops, roundtable discussions, strategic planning sessions, panels and more to address the issues women face at work and in the union.
WFP will host its 2025 S.T.A.N.D. Training Conference at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square in August.
Our 2025 S.T.A.N.D. Training Conference will feature the following courses:
Basic Steward's Training: TheBasic Steward training course is designed to educate new officers and stewards on their roles as AFGE representatives. Participants will be informed of the various resources that they will need to be effective Stewards for their respected locals. The class will cover the basic history and structure of AFGE; different roles of a union steward; contractual language interpretation; the difference between a gripe and a grievance; conducting investigations; engaging management officials; developing relationships; writing the first step grievance; and choosing whether to take the case as a grievance. Participants will be able to identify local contract grievance procedures and learn the basics of drafting informational requests and how they fully understand the steward roles and responsibilities.
Collective Bargaining: Participants in this class will learn how to develop effective bargaining strategies and how to write contract language. Participants will learn the “how‐tos” of writing contract language: defining and analyzing issues, developing proposals, and writing the actual language. In addition, model contract language will be examined. Midterm bargaining and negotiating techniques will also be analyzed.
Conflict Resolution: Participants will learn the necessary tools and techniques to resolve internal disputes. When and how conflict resolution procedures are appropriate and best interfaced with current procedures will be covered. The class will also cover the importance of remaining neutral and the confidentiality of agreements reached through conflict resolution programs. Participants who successfully complete this course will be added to AFGE’s master list of mediators and will be called upon to assist in AFGE’s Conflict Resolution Program. **Being added to the master list is voluntary. Mediators are not paid for their services.
Coordinator Bootcamp: This class is designed to sharpen the understanding of the role of a Coordinator as an elected or appointed Local leader. Whether a Women’s, Fair Practices, PRIDE or Y.O.U.N.G. Coordinator, a lot of the same principles apply. Participants will enhance their knowledge of key civil, human, women and workers’ rights issues. Participants will also learn how to identify and work with like‐minded organizations through coalition building.
EEO I - Basic: This class serves as an introduction to EEO issues, litigation, and remedies for all members and officers in AFGE. Participants will learn the difference between EEO matters and other employment disputes, how to identify the proper forum for an EEO dispute, and how the agency administers the EEO process. The class also highlights the importance of 29 CFR Part 1614 and introduces participants to the EEO process including the agency's investigation of EEO cases, how to request a hearing before the EEOC, and how to prepare for a hearing. The class covers topics such as the federal laws governing EEO issues, EEO Process, Theories of Discrimination, Burdens of Proof, Litigation Strategies such as Discovery, and Preparing for a Hearing.
EEO II - Intermediate (EEO I prerequisite): The EEO II class is intended for members with previous EEO Basic training. The class will address proper forums for EEO claims and contrast the EEOC, MSPB, and union contract grievance/ arbitration. The class will also address the essential elements of an EEO claim and the procedural methods for bringing that claim forward in the EEO process. Participants will learn how to prepare a case and be able to identify and understand different types of decisions, orders, and motions. The class will also provide an understanding of the initial conference call/acknowledgement and order, discovery requests and responses, depositions, motions and pre-hearing submissions/pre-hearing reports. The class will conclude with a mock prehearing conference, complete with rulings on approved witnesses and exhibits.
EEO Legal Writing - Advanced (EEO I & II prerequisites): This class is intended for union members who have previous training and experience in all aspects of an EEO case. The class will be comprised of writing exercises that focus on drafting: Formal Complaint; Discovery Requests; Preliminary Case Information; Motions to Compel; Oppositions to Motions to Compel; Oppositions to Motions for Summary Judgments; Participants must have an advanced understanding of Theories of Discrimination and Burdens of Proof. This class will involve a great deal of legal writing exercises.
EEO Grievances: This class is intended for union members who have had previous training and experience in EEO cases and stewards training. The class will review the protected statuses, EEO process, theories of discrimination, burdens of proof, remedies, settlements, grievance process, arbitration process, understanding of the Douglas factors, information requests, and litigation strategies.
Financial Officers Training: All local and council financial officers are invited to attend this training in vibrant and historic San Francisco! Spend a week with other officers while you network and become a master at QuickBooks, as well as learn the importance of Reporting, Budget Planning and so much more!
Health, Safety, and Emotional Wellbeing: Intended to promote worker and local union participation in creating a safer and healthier work environment. You’ll be able to effectively recognize basic safety and health hazards in your own workplace, make recommendations for change, and participate in inspection and abatement efforts. This class will integrate emotional wellbeing and resilience, with a focus on understanding the impact of mental health and wellness in the workplace, recognizing common mental health challenges, supporting and engaging in practices that support emotional well-being, and helping employees talk more openly about mental health.
Improving Workplace Interaction through Advocacy and Action:Participants will look at what racial justice means for our work in the union and the labor movement and how we as people of color, activists and allies can bring about positive change for our members and their families.
New Unionist Training: This new unionist training will cover important aspects of union life in AFGE, such as Robert’s Rules of Order, following the money (from dues to activism), and even AFGE history. The class will further provide new unionists with tools to be successful AFGE activists and will include topics such as leadership skills, improving communications, community action, building the YOUNG workforce, discussing diversity and inclusion, building mentor and mentee partnerships, and young worker organizing. This training is a key component to any new unionist who is ready to become active and successful in AFGE!
Organizing Institute:It is more important than ever for our members to organize, organize, organize. It is our goal to develop and promote the craft of organizing. This training will include Labor History, Group Recruiting Techniques, One‐on‐One Communications, Member Benefits and Mobilization techniques.
Worker's Compensation: This class is designed to develop our members' knowledge and skills needed to handle claims for the Office of Workers Compensation Program (OWCP) and federal disability retirement. Understand the features of each program and help your members process claims quickly and accurately and bring injured employees back to work.
See AFGE's 'Events' page to register now for our 2025 S.T.A.N.D. Summit and Training Conference!
Mental Health and Wellness
As Union Members, we know that the workplace can be a stressful environment. Whether it's dealing with high job demands, poor relationships with supervisors or colleagues, navigating challenging situations, or simply trying to balance work and personal life, our jobs can take a toll on our mental well-being. Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition every day and countless more experience this reality through friends, family, and coworkers living with mental illness.
In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Month, Women and Fair Practices hosts annual virtual programs aimed at reducing the stigma and discrimination around mental illness and giving AFGE members the tools and support needed to protect their mental health. In 2024, WFP hosted a virtual Workplace Bullying and Mental Health Workshop during which we launched our People’s Justice Project Workgroup aimed at reducing workplace bullying across our federation. We were also joined by partners from Kaiser Permanente for a presentation on balancing mental wellness and a busy work life.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is a health and safety issue that impacts the wellbeing of our colleagues and our workplaces. According to the CDC, in the U.S., 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
The COVID-19 pandemic only worsened domestic violence in the United States and across the globe. The isolation, financial hardship, stress, and other issues brought on by the pandemic might trigger violence where there was none before or exacerbate it in households where violence is already a problem.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WFP annually hosts virtual webinars on Domestic Violence as it relates to federal and DC government workers and the workplace
Disability Employment
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the federal and D.C. workforce, and to assert our collective commitment to recruiting, retaining, and advancing individuals with disabilities across the country.
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, WFP will be hosting its 4th Annual Disability Employment Program on October 29, 2024. Keep an eye out for email communications regarding this exciting event! First, we hosted our Disability Employment Program Virtual Workshop, which covered topics related to disability employment and equity in the Federal and D.C. workforce, including neurodiversity and PTSD, and featured guest speakers Dr. Hala Annabi, Associate Professor of at the University of Washington and author of the Autism at Work Playbook and District 7 NFPAAC Yvonne Renee Evans. Our next workshop focused on ensuring equity for individuals with disabilities, featuring guest speaker Dexter Brooks, Associate Director of Federal Operations at the EEOC, who discussed affirmative action plans, best practices for disability policy and practice, and more. Finally, our WFP attorneys facilitated a virtual workshop about the reasonable accommodations process.
Voting Rights
WFP, AFGE Y.O.U.N.G., and the AFGE Legislative Team have historically co-hosted events covering what is currently at stake in elections, and how AFGE members can get involved in political and legislative action.
Given the importance of the 2024 elections to AFGE members, their families, and communities, WFP, AFGE Y.O.U.N.G., AFGE PRIDE, AFGE B.L.A.C.K., AFGE A.P.O.W.E.R., and AFGE HISCO are committed to working together to Get Out the Vote! Look out for communications from our groups this Fall on how you can get involved!
Black History Month
In 2024, WFP and AFGE BLACK hosted three virtual Black History Month events, including an overview of the work of AFGE BLACK, a webinar on the history of the Black Labor Movement, and a panel bringing together Black law enforcement from different federal agencies to discuss the intersections of Blackness, policing, and unionism. We look forward to hosting these events again in 2025!
Women’s History Month
In celebration of Women’s History Month, WFP hosted the following virtual events in 2024:
- March 3, 2024: History of AFGE Women Presentation
- March 13, 2024: Diversity of AFGE Women Panel
- March 20, 2024: Discrimination Against Women in the Workplace
- March 27, 2024: Women’s Health and Wellness
- March 28, 2024: Public Speaking for Women
AAPINH Heritage Month
May is Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian American Heritage Month, a celebration of the AAPINH United States. In 2024, WFP and AFGE A.P.O.W.E.R. co-hosted the following events for AAPINH AFGE Membership:
- May 7, 2024: AFGE A.P.O.W.E.R. Movie Night
- May 21, 2024: Overview of AFGE APOWER
- May 23, 2024: AFGE APOWER Lunch and Learn with Ligaya Domingo
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. WFP and AFGE PRIDE celebrated Pride Month by honoring LGBTQIA+ community and culture and renewing our commitment to fight to advance LGBTQIA+ rights.
In 2024, WFP and AFGE PRIDE celebrated Pride Month with the following events:
- June 9, 2024: Capital Pride Festival
- June 12, 2024: Trans Advocacy and Awareness: A Conversation with AFGE Member Teresa Duke
- June 13, 2024: Overview of AFGE PRIDE
- June 16, 2024: Launch of AFGE PRIDE’s Self-Paced Online Modules
Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year from September 15-October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month pays tribute to Hispanic and Latinx culture, community, and contribution today and throughout history. This observance began in 1968 under Lyndon B. Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week, before being signed into law by Ronald Reagan as a month-long commemoration beginning on September 15th to honor the independence anniversaries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
In 2024, WFP and AFGE HISCO are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of virtual events: Mindfulness for the Hispanic/Latinx Community, Intersectionality Panels, YOUNG/HISCO Workers, Hispanic American Colleges and Universities Presentation, and an overview of Hispanic Culture.
Native American Heritage Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month, an annual celebration of the culture, heritage, and history of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Efforts to institutionalize a time to honor Indigenous peoples go back over a century. In 1916, the first American Indian Day was declared by the State of New York. Over the course of the 20th Century, a number of states declared similar holidays. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush first issued a proclamation designating November as National Native American Heritage Month.
National Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity for celebration, but it's also an important opportunity to reflect on the dispossession and displacement faced by Indigenous peoples now and in the past, and all of the resilience and activism done to ensure the continuance of Indigenous culture and community today.
The AFGE Women and Fair Practices Department recognizes that Washington D.C., seat of the Federal and D.C. Governments and home to AFGE Headquarters, sits on the traditional ancestral land of the Piscataway people, including the Nacotchtank (or Anacostan) peoples.
Before the arrival of Europeans, the Piscataway were one of the predominant Indigenous groups living along the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. They were made up of several small bands living throughout what is now Washington D.C., Southern Maryland, and the area between the Potomac River, Patapsco River, and the Chesapeake Bay.
Despite everything wrought by English colonization, groups of Piscataway survived and maintain their presence in this area today. In 2012, after years of advocacy and activism, the Piscataway Indian Nation and Piscataway Conoy Tribe became the first two American Indian groups indigenous to Maryland to be formally recognized by the state.
Learn more about the traditional Piscataway territory here, through this searchable map of Native territories, languages and treaties, developed by Native Land Digital, an Indigenous-led nonprofit. To better understand the traditional Indigenous lands you live and work on, check the map out here.
In 2024, WFP is excited to announce that we are currently working on the creation of a new constituency group for Indigenous and Native Alaskan AFGE Members.
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