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Leadership in MUA

The members of Mujeres Unidas y Activas (MUA) are leaders from the moment they walk through our doors. Our programs create an environment where Latina and Indigenous immigrants can recognize the leadership skills they already possess and discover new areas for growth. Mujeres Unidas y Activas It offers a clearly defined Leadership Pathway for our members, because we believe that they are the most qualified to lead our organization and that they can transfer that leadership to other community organizations and social justice movements.

After participating in the programs of Mujeres Unidas y Activas For two to six months, a new member is eligible to enroll in one or more leadership training programs. Each training program is typically offered once a year and requires a commitment to join a leadership committee.

The leadership courses we offer include:

  • Leadership Training for Collective Power: An intensive course in community organizing, political advocacy, grassroots fundraising, and the history of social movements in the United States. This course includes modules from the National Domestic Workers Alliance's "Making History" course, which was created in collaboration with Smith College faculty and MUA members.
  • Counselor Training: an intensive course on how to provide one-on-one counseling without prejudice and helpful referrals to women in crisis.
  • Facilitator Training: a course on facilitating MUA membership meetings, including our fundamental rules, guidelines communication and coexistence, and conflict resolution.
  • Base Building Training: A course for members who want to ensure that MUA's resources reach more women. They learn how to approach a woman on the bus or on the street to offer information about MUA, how to give a community workshop in a school or church, and how to follow up with new contacts to encourage them to come and learn about MUA. 
  • Guidance Counselor Training: A course for leaders who want to facilitate workshops for new members so they understand the range of resources available at MUA, and know how to take advantage of them. 
  • Training for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counselors and/or Sexual Assault Counselors: An advanced course for members who have at least one year of experience giving counseling in MUA on how to provide survivor accompaniment to hospitals, police and court, including how to obtain restraining orders and navigating the criminal justice system.
  • Training for Employment Counselors: An advanced course for experienced MUA counselors on how to support a woman who is experiencing labor exploitation, including a broad understanding of labor laws, options for taking action against an abusive employer, how and when to file complaints with the California Labor Commission, and how to support the woman in negotiating directly with her employer to improve her working conditions.

Through our Path to Leadership, the members of Mujeres Unidas y Activas (MUA) progressively assume greater leadership roles. The first step after completing training is to join a leadership committee, where member-leaders take on responsibilities and participate as volunteers.

The committees are organized by areas of action:

  • RAICES Committee: Organizing, Growing the Base, and Political Advocacy

  • Committee of Advisors and Facilitators

  • Guidance Committee

  • Grassroots Fundraising Committee

  • Mam Group Leaders Committee

In each committee, participants receive continuing education in their area and voluntarily apply their skills, developing new competencies while expanding the positive impact of Mujeres Unidas y Activas in the community

Female leadership members have priority for positions on the Board of Directors and on staff at all levels of the organization. Those who are hired continue their training through our program. Strong Future, which combines vocational training with intensive leadership.

Today, more than 70% of the staff of Mujeres Unidas y Activas She started as a member, and women leaders now make up 75% of our board. Strengthening women's leadership is at the heart of our social change model. Mujeres Unidas y Activas.

Click here to access our report- which will take you to the Futuro Fuerte staff development page.

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