2026 Pre-Convention Education Workshops
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm PST
Location: Hyatt Regency, Vancouver
Registration for the pre-convention workshops will open on January 26th, 2026, and the deadline to apply is March 5th. Workshop applicants must:
- Register for the convention.
- Be approved as a convention delegate.
- Register for the pre-convention education workshops.
Important information:
- Only members who are approved delegates can apply for these sessions.
- Please note, we always get more applications to attend than there are spots available.
- Applicants will be notified by union staff the week of March 9, 2026, if a seat has been confirmed.
- If you have applied to attend a workshop, it is best to book your travel after you’ve received confirmation of a seat.
We are offering five workshops – please rank all five workshops in order of interest. Preferences will be considered, but we cannot guarantee acceptance into a specific workshop. Applicants who have never taken an HSA education workshop and activists in a union role will be prioritized.
HSA is offering the following workshops at the 2026 Annual Convention:
Anti-Oppressive Meeting Procedure
Facilitator: Adrienne Smith
Target Audience: Stewards and union activists
This workshop gives participants the tools they need to run a formal union or business meeting using Roberts Rules of Order, Bourinot’s Rules, or your organization’s custom rules. It includes basics such as moving, amending, and passing a motion; points of order, information, and privilege; and covers critical documents necessary to make the meeting lawful and orderly, including notice of the meeting and of motions, the agenda, reports, and minutes. The workshop considers strategies for both in-person and Zoom meetings. Participants will learn to apply the rules in an anti-oppressive and accessible way that meets the social justice goals of your group.
Assertive Approach in Conflict
Facilitator: Kerry Palmer
Target Audience: Open to all delegates
Everyone has a personal skill set for communicating with others. This skill set works just fine in most situations, but this course will teach new skills for more challenging situations. This workshop will clarify the differences between aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, and assertive communication styles. Participants will learn that an assertive approach is not just a checklist of skills, but a specific mindset.
Economics for Unionists
Facilitator: Jim Stanford
Target Audience: All members, from those with no campaign experience to political activists, are welcome and invited to register.
Whether it’s at the bargaining table, on the news, or at the grocery store check out, you know that the economy and affordability is top of mind. But what is the economy, how is it working (or not?), and can we do anything to make it better? This course covers all this with the expertise of economist Jim Stanford, known for his common sense approach and willingness to call ‘BS’ on common economic myths.
Indigenous Allyship and Anti-Racism Training
Facilitator: Len Pierre
Target Audience: Open to all delegates
This workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning how to be a better ally in their workplaces and communities. Being an ally is not a static identity; it is not a badge of honor, it is a sign of privilege. Allyship is also not declared, but based on the context in which you act. This course unpacks the similarities and differences of being an ally to Indigenous peoples in relation to other ally contexts. Participants will learn how to define allyship, solidarity, and anti-racism, explore examples of allyship in the Indigenous context, and identify strategies for talking about racism and cultural safety with teams.
Steward Training – Contract Interpretation
Facilitator: HSA Staff
Target Audience: Stewards
Following Basic Steward Training, many stewards request additional training to help them deal confidently with workplace issues. We’ll take a look at some of the common and complex issues members face at work that result in grievances, and the need for steward advocacy and guidance. This workshop will help stewards further develop contract interpretation and grievance handling skills.