Supporting Steelworkers members, families and communities
The origins of the USW Family and Community Education Fund (FCEF) date back to our 1989 National Policy Conference. It was re-activated in 2018 and has been the subject of numerous policy resolutions, including in 2019 when Canadian locals were encouraged to join and/or make use of its offerings.
This grant program funds engaging educational projects that meet one of four pillars: supporting Steelworker families, promoting the USW in the community, supporting and engaging young activists, and supporting and engaging new activists.
More than 50 percent of USW locals across Canada contribute 1 percent of their gross total dues to the fund, allowing the FCEF to pool resources. This creates a larger pot of money that locals can draw on to organize engaging activities supporting Steelworkers and their communities, no matter a local’s size.
Each year, more locals join the FCEF and use its resources. Once a motion to join the fund is passed at a membership meeting, locals can begin applying for project funds. Area councils, committees, and district and national bodies can also apply.
Funding application process
The FCEF funds projects of all sizes and has two application review streams. Applicants fill out a brief application outlining their project idea with support from the FCEF co-ordinator. Projects under $5,000 are sent to the corresponding District education co-ordinator for review at any time. Projects above $5,000 are reviewed four times yearly by a project review committee, consisting of the administrative assistant to the National Director, the fund co-ordinator, District education co-ordinators and member representatives from each district.
Before July 2020, an initiative to promote FCEF visibility allowed for any local to apply for funding. Post-July 2020, only contributing locals and other USW union bodies can seek funding, though new contributors are always welcome. The joining process is easy and there’s no extra cost to members!
Supporting unique and diverse projects
Recognizing the diverse needs of USW locals and the union at large, the FCEF funds a wide range of projects across Canada. Since our last international convention, the FCEF has provided more than $2 million in funding to 117 projects. Some of these initiatives have:
- Enabled a mining local to educate its members and the broader community on the harms of excessively high occupational exposure limits for diesel particulate.
- Supported Steelworkers and their neighbours in commemorating local union members whose lives were lost in a workplace accident.
- Transported delegates by bus to the National Women’s Conference, enabling more members’ participation.
- Immersed NextGen members in solidarity efforts with striking workers.
- Provided meals to low-income families in partnership with a labour council.
- Oriented new members to the union in a series of local-led orientation sessions.
The FCEF also funds national initiatives like the Steelworker Summer program, which employs the children and grandchildren of Steelworker members at participating USW union offices and district and national level conference bursaries for young workers and those from equity-seeking groups. In 2022, two Indigenous engagement co-ordinators were hired for a two-year pilot to promote the interests of Indigenous peoples within the union and beyond, including via our Unionism on Turtle Island course.
There is no limit on the number of project submissions or the amount of funding requested from applicants.
Family Care Reimbursement Program
In 2021, the FCEF unveiled its Family Care Reimbursement Program. This initiative reimburses members of contributing locals for family-care costs, such as child care, incurred while attending authorized union events. This means Steelworkers no longer have to worry about such expenses when they leave their dependants at home to attend union meetings or conferences.
Members can claim expenses for care for the following family members who reside with them: a child 15 years of age or younger; a person with a disability; and/or a dependent adult who requires care. Reimbursement is based on the professional/licensed caregivers’ standard rate, up to $19.50/hour. When care is provided by a family member who resides at a different address than the member’s dependant(s), the FCEF provides a pro-rated honorarium. Overnight care is eligible as well!
Ensure your members know about this invaluable support program when promoting engagement opportunities such as conferences and membership or committee meetings! For more information on the Family Care Reimbursement Program, visit: usw.ca/family-care
Resources
he Family and Community Education Fund has resources to help locals draft strong project ideas and applications. Visit usw.ca/fcef to find application tips, sample FCEF submission; project ideas; educational components; Family Care Reimbursement Program forms; and more.
When locals organize events connecting Steelworkers and their wider communities to the union, more members get – and stay – involved. The FCEF co-ordinator will assist you every step of the way to ensure great project submissions and outcomes. Reach out to her at fcef@usw.ca.
Joining the FCEF is easy
A local can join the FCEF and become eligible for funding by passing a motion at a membership meeting. The motion must authorize the local to become a contributing member of the USW Family and Community Education Fund, as well as authorize the local’s 1 percent contribution of its monthly gross total dues. Once a check-off authorization form is completed and mailed to the USW Canadian National Office, the local can apply for funding.
Many USW locals contribute to the FCEF but don’t realize it! To determine if your local contributes, check your monthly dues mailer or email the FCEF co-ordinator. Joining the FCEF adds no extra costs to members, as the fund receives 1 percent of existing gross total dues.
Many USW locals already organize projects that engage their members and communities and would qualify for FCEF funding. Locals are encouraged to submit their projects and ideas to the FCEF so the fund can cover these event costs. If you need support or a bit of inspiration, write to the FCEF co-ordinator at: fcef@usw.ca.