The Southern Regional Council of Carpenters’ Member Engagement Program coordinators have begun attending a leadership-development program at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters International Training Center in Las Vegas. They have attended three sessions of the four-part 18 Month Member Engagement Program that began in January 2025 and will end this summer.
Council Representative and MEP Coordinator Je Ann “G” Will said the program has helped the SRCC group collectively identify and shape the long-term vision of the Member Engagement Program. Participants explored topics such as conflict management, leadership presence, and how to “read the room” in dynamic environments.
“The program emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and intentional communication, equipping participants with the tools needed to lead effectively, strengthen teams, and contribute to sustained organizational growth over time,” Will said.
The UBC MEP program evolved from the former Sisters in the Brotherhood program and race- and identity-based engagement efforts, including the African American task forces, Latino committees, veterans committees and other affinity groups. The new MEP, launched last year, brings all engagement efforts under one banner. The program engages members at every stage of their careers to bring awareness to issues they face and to foster support and belonging in the union.
The program has a district-based structure, with coordinators representing each district. The seven members who represent the Southern District attended the training session with members from all five UBC districts in the United States and Canada.
This development experience led participants through training centered on the four core pillars of leadership: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.