TUC and Methodists sing from same hymn sheet

The TUC is taking a radical step in its strategy of improving union organisation by running a two-day residential training session with the Methodist Church called "Creating Community Alliances".

The course, which covers identifying activists, campaign planning and community mapping, is aimed at union officers, organisers, industrial/workplace chaplains and church/community activists from across the faith communities. It will be provided by the TUC's Organising Academy and will be held in the West Midlands.

The organisers envisage that the event will attract 16 to 20 participants. If it is successful, the TUC hopes to develop similar arrangements with other Christian and non-Christian faith groups.

The TUC says it will meet the training and accommodation costs of union organisers, but that unions wishing to nominate officers or organisers should do so as soon as possible. Union participants should preferably be engaged in community-based organising work or projects.

For further information, call TUC national organiser Paul Nowak on 020 7467 1218, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.tuc.org.uk/organisation/tuc-11200-f0.cfm