Training & Leadership Development
The Training and Leadership Development department drives the Texas AFL-CIO’s commitment to growing a labor movement AS BIG AS TEXAS!
Ruth Ellinger Leadership Academy
The Ruth Ellinger Leadership Academy empowers the next generation of union leaders to build a stronger, more inclusive labor movement across Texas.
This one-year program is a comprehensive skill-building and leadership development course managed by the Texas AFL-CIO, in partnership with affiliate unions, local unions, and Central Labor Bodies. Participants attend four weekend-long sessions throughout the year, diving into organizing fundamentals, shifting power, and intersectionality in the labor movement.
So far, the program has graduated more than 250 union leaders from across the state. View our 2025 Ruth Ellinger Leadership Academy Graduates here.
The 2027 Ruth Ellinger Leadership Academy application process will begin in the Fall of 2026.
Contact: Lorraine Montemayor | lorraine@texasaflcio.org
AFL-CIO Organizing Institute
The Organizing Institute’s mission is to train and inspire union organizers to achieve the monumental wins that grow the labor movement. The AFL-CIO has equipped tens of thousands of member activists and staff organizers with the best practices and principles essential to workers winning respect, dignity, and a voice on the job through union organizing.
Whether you’re just starting out or already leading campaigns, the Organizing Institute is your go-to resource for mastering the skills for successful organizing.
WHAT ORGANIZERS WILL LEARN:
Day 1 - How to have the Right 1-on-1 Organizing Conversation;
Day 2 - Recruiting and Developing Key Workplace Leaders;
Day 3 - How to Run Issue Campaigns to Build Momentum!
Interested in joining a future AFL-CIO Organizing Institute? Fill out this form to take the next step toward building a stronger labor movement.
Labor Candidate School
The Texas AFL-CIO created a Labor Candidate School to recruit, educate, and empower union members to run for elected office. This comprehensive, 2-3 day program equips union members with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to run for office, including:
- How to run a campaign
- Messaging guidance and communication tactics
- Voter contact programming
- Fundraising and campaign finance
- Navigating the Texas Labor Movement
- A mock endorsement screening interview with local labor leaders
We hosted our inaugural class in Oct. 2025, bringing together 16 union members from around the state. In partnership with our central labor bodies and affiliates, we hope to establish the program as an annual course to deepen our bench of union candidates and build our political power in the state.
If you’re interested in learning more or are considering running for elected office, click here to fill out our Labor Candidate School Interest Form. We’ll share updates in the coming months so you’ll know when and how to apply for our next Labor Candidate School.