The CLC United Way Union Counselling program is a cornerstone of the Labour and United Way Partnership that has been in place for over 30 years. The program is prevention based with a goal of helping union members in the workplace. United Way British Columbia’s very own Madeleine Buhlau attended this year. She wanted to use her skills in the best possible way to help her peers in CUPE Local 1760 and support the union structure. Madeleine has worked for more than 20 years in the non-profit sector with roles from fundraiser to front line work. Most recently she was was founder and executive director of the Community Youth in Action Network (CYAN). A recent arrival to BC from Ontario, the experience also helped Madeleine get to know her new community. “There is no better way to get immersed in a community than through United Way,” she explained. Union Counsellors are trained to act as a resource to provide peer support to fellow workers trying to cope with workplace, personal or family challenges. Madeleine attended a week of classes on diverse topics including what services are available in the Lower Mainland, and how to deal with common stressors on individuals such as loss or grief, drug or alcohol issues, or work/life balance. “On a broad spectrum, we work as a liaison for our peers to the greater community.” The CLC Pacific Region Winter School runs January 19 to February 21. The 2014 CLC Harrison Winter School Labour Community Advocacy Union Counsellor Training is presented by Vancity.
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