07/17/2026
UAW Region 1 Fellowship Program
UAW Education Department is gearing up for the 2026 Fellowship Program scheduled to
begin in October 2026.
The Fellowship Program is designed to train resolute members to execute
the programs and policies of our union. It is an intensive work-study program. Candidates for the
Fellowship Program should be energetic individuals who are comfortable with public speaking
and willing to invest their time in this program. We are looking for a bilingual participant speaking
English and Spanish. Fellows who successfully complete the program are commonly referred to
as a Local Union Discussion Leader (LUDL).
The 2026-2027 Fellows will participate in an intensive training program that consists of a mix of
in-person and virtual touchpoints from October 2026 through May 2027.
This program requires
a serious commitment from the Fellows to complete assignments at home, in addition to
attending the following scheduled touchpoint sessions:
• Touchpoint 1: Oct 18-23, 2026 (Black Lake) & Oct 24-30, 2026 (Detroit)
• Virtual Check-In: Dec 4, 2026 (12–4 p.m. ET)
• Virtual Check-In: Feb 3, 2027 (12–4 p.m. ET)
• Touchpoint 2: March 14-20, 2027 (Region 9A, New York City)
• Optional Regional Touchpoint: between January and May 2027, in your region
• Touchpoint 3: May 2-7, 2027 (Region 4, Pat Greathouse Center) Training will be rigorous, and
members must commit to attending all portions of the program to participate.
Fellows should plan to arrive at each touchpoint on the dates and times specified in their
informational packet.
Fellows may be double housed, if necessary.
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Application and Selection Process
UAW Region 1 will be allotted space for a maximum of two members, with one bilingual applicant
to participate in the 2027 Fellowship Program. Given the limited space, we will accept
applications from Region 1 members and select from those who apply. You must be a member
in good standing of a UAW Region 1 local union to be eligible to apply following the process
detailed below. Ideal candidates will be strong unionists with demonstrated commitment to their
local unions, to UAW programs and values, and to volunteerism and the broader movement for
social justice. These energetic individuals, who are comfortable with public speaking and
meticulous commitment, will be put to the test. Success with the program will require
enthusiasm, positivity, coachability, and willingness to invest time.
While attendance in this Fellowship Program is a privilege, it also comes with tremendous
responsibility. The primary role of a LUDL is to assist local union leadership in facilitating
programs at their local. Additionally, LUDLs are frequently requested to be instructors at
conferences at Black Lake and elsewhere in support of national and regional education programs.
These assignments often require long hours and weekend work. It is a requisite expectation that
each LUDL will represent the International Union, UAW, appropriately. Positive attitudes and the
ability to work well both independently and in a team are necessary. Failure to meet expectations
will result in removal from the program.
A complete application will include the following:
• (Required): A complete 2026 Fellowship Application form. The applicant should be sure to
include details of how they have participated in standing committees at their local union. The
completed form should also reflect the applicant’s participation in any educational programs at
their local union, Region 1, national UAW conferences, or any other union education program
they have attended or facilitated outside of the UAW.
• (Required): A personal statement written by the Region 1 member expressing why they believe
themself to be a great fit for the Fellowship Program and how they plan to apply what they learn
to strengthen their local union.
• (Optional): A current resume.
• (Optional): Applicants are invited (but not required) to share a personal video statement. The
best videos will be short and direct - less than a minute long. Briefly explain the work you are
doing at your local union to promote member education and explain why you think you would
be a great fit for the 2026/27 Fellowship Program. Fellowship applicants can upload a video to
YouTube or Vimeo, with public sharing settings selected, and attached the link into the online
application form.
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For this year’s fellowship program members can submit their complete application materials
using this online form:
https://uaw.jotform.com/form/UAWFellowship2026 .
**Applicants must complete both the application form through the link above as well as the
Region 1 form through the QR code or link below.
Applicants may email their completed materials to [email protected]. Please include “LUDL
Fellowship” in the subject line and attach all materials in PDF format.
Interested members must submit applications by 8 a.m. on August 10, 2026. Fellow applicants
who submit late applications will not be considered for the program.
The Region 1 selection committee will review all applications and make their selections by
September 2026. Member education is truly critical to the strength of our union. Thank you for
your continued support of our UAW education programs.
Director LaShawn English
Please follow the QR code or link below
to submit your required information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Roc Ciers of
my staff at [email protected].
https://forms.office.com/r/Uaytrx6wg7
