At most any "Summer Institute" you will find classes on about any topic there is relating to unionism. In District 8, the Women of Steel added their own flare to the usual routine. During the 2004 Summer Institute, WOS Coordinator Janice Smith along with helpers from each state, Brenda Miles from Virginia, Joy Randolph from West Virginia, Tammy Pickrell from Kentucky and Vickie Bielawski from Maryland put on a series on training events for the representatives sent from various locals.

Training ranged from organizing to women’s issues. Each day, Janice and the state leaders would prepare some type of unique event to capture the attention of the participants. One particular event that was very interesting was their approach to learning about organizing. They worked together to start a mock organizing drive. They chose spokespeople, they brought in a USW Organizer so that they could ask questions concerning their drive and even brought in the (remember I said mock) the factory owner to answer questions that her employees might have. It was a great learning experience and a very unique approach to teaching one of the most important aspects of unionism—organizing.

As the week went by, other summer institute participants were hearing about what was going on and wanted to see for their selves. Having visitors when you are trying to teach something can be a nuisance, however, this group found a way to capitalize on the outsiders. One of the ladies mentioned that a young girl, age 4, Tricha Esarey had been diagnosed with cancer. She went to school with one of our members’ child. This group of very thoughtful ladies decided to allow the visitors to their meetings, however, before they could leave, they must make a donation on behalf of Tricha. If any of their participants were late for meetings, etc. they also had to contribute to the fund. The fundraiser became so popular, that people would just stop by so they too could contribute. Among those dropping in were District Director Billy Thompson and his wife Sylvia.

At the banquet dinner, someone suggested that the hat be passed one last time for this great cause and in the end; a total of $857 was collected and donated to the Tricha Esarey Fund in the name of USW District 8. What a great opportunity to learn in a new manner and use that learning experience to support the less fortunate.