CWA District 2-13 at the 2024 Human Rights Conference

CWA’s 2024 Human Rights Conference took place in Houston, TX over four days in August. CWA District 2-13 is proud to participate in an event that animates the Union's dedication to diversity and inclusivity. This year, VP Michael Davis, Staff, and Local officers, including Nikki Robinson, Ann Vogler, and Hannah Long represented District 2-13. 

Nikki Robinson, who serves as CWA Local 2201 Area VP in Virginia, shared her experience:

I have appreciated being a part of the CWA National Human Rights Committee. This is my 2nd term serving on this committee and participating in the conferences. The opportunity to network, attend workshops, listen to great leaders, do actions, and be inspired by other like-minded people, is the best reason of all. I was able to sit in on workshops such as “How to Not Work Until You Die,” “The Immigration Process” (once an immigrant arrives to the U.S), and “How A.I. Affects Us All In The Workplace.” The actions at the Interactive Activist Mall consisted of post card writing for pro-worker candidates, making rally signs, educating on Fair Election Maps, and Eric's ID Law, just to name a few.

The renaming of the program, MLI, to the Dennis Serrette Minority Leadership Institute was an emotional ceremony. Attendees of the conference who were prior graduates graced the stage with matching T-shirts. I would say there were at least 100 people in the front of the auditorium. We uplifted each other in song and had kind words shared by Dennis Serrette’s wife and son. It was a GREAT CONFERENCE!!!!

Ann Vogler, who serves as CWA Local 2009 Area VP in West Virginia, shared her experience:

The Human Rights Department hit the ground running from the time we arrived in Houston Texas to make the 2024 Human Rights Conference even better than the last. In attendance were over 500 people and topics centered around the most important election of our lifetime.

The conference theme was “No Vote is A Vote.” Highlights included a joint committee presentation “How Long, Not Long,” entertainment by Dragon Dancers, workshops such as how to not work ‘til you die, which focused on Social Security, and our Activity Mall that allowed attendees to take action for social change. Of course, it is always the best time to be able to network with fellow Union members and identify struggles we all face in the workplace and discuss how we can create change to make it better. 

It is truly an honor to be part of the National Women’s committee and to represent District 2-13 and to partner with Civil Rights and Equity Committee Member Nikki Robinson, providing training for our members educating on Building an Anti-racist Union and Gender Justice and look forward to doing more in upcoming months.  

This conference played an important role and touched on relevant issues we face within our Union. I hope all in attendance got something out of it and are able to take back and share with the membership.

Hannah Long, who serves as CWA Local 2009 Area VP in West Virginia, shared her experience:

It was an honor and privilege to be able to attend my first human rights conference! This conference was fantastic it was great to meet and connect with brothers and sisters from across the country and represent our district as next gen lead. The entire conference was so engaging and educational!

CWA District 2-13 is grateful for the passion and dedication Nikki, Ann, and Hannah brought to this year's Human Rights Conference!

Check out a photo album of CWA District 2-13 at the 2024 Human Rights Conference here.