Get Involved

We don’t win by watching from the sidelines. We win by showing up, getting organized, and building power together. Whether you’re a longtime union member, a new delegate, or someone just learning about the labor movement, there’s a place for you in HVALF. Here are four ways to get involved today:

1. Become a Delegate

Delegates are the backbone of HVALF. Every affiliated union has the right to send delegates to represent their members in HVALF’s decision-making. Delegates help set our priorities, vote on endorsements, guide our campaigns, and lead within their unions and committees.

Delegates are expected to: 

  • Attend regular monthly Delegate’s meetings

  • Represent your union and bring back updates

  • Help lead or participate in at least one HVALF committee

  • Vote on endorsements, budgets, and leadership elections

Delegates are how we turn representation into action. If you're ready to be a connector and leader in your union, becoming a delegate is a powerful step.

Click to find your Union
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Delegate Resources

our bylaws
meeting calendar
robert's rules 101

2. Join a Committee

Committees are where the real work happens. They organize actions, develop strategies, and build relationships across the region. All union members from affiliated locals are welcome to join.

Each committee meets regularly and is always looking for new members ready to step up. Sign up to learn more about HVALF committees here. 

Sign Up for a Committee

  • This committee helps bring new unions into the federation and encourages affiliates to appoint delegates who reflect the diversity of their membership.

    Chair: Ian Robinson, president@huronvalleyalf.org

  • This committee develops messaging, trainings, materials, and manages HVALF’s digital footprint.

    Chair: Sonya Alvarado, salvarado@aftmichigan.org

  • This committee connects labor to climate justice, clean energy, AI-driven transitions, and long-term sustainability efforts.

    Chair: Liz Ratzloff, eratzloff@gmail.com

  • This committee screens candidates, makes recommendations to HVALF on endorsements (for local races) and recommendations to the Michigan AFL-CIO (for state-level races), and builds worker political power.

    Chair: Ian Robinson, president@huronvalleyalf.org; Director: Michelle Deatrick vp@huronvalleyalf.org.

  • This committee oversees the HVALF’s Rapid Response Network, coordinates direct actions, strike support, and solidarity campaigns.

    Chair: Kara Ayotte, kara.ayotte@minurses.org

3. Come to an Event, Training, or workshop

Whether it’s a rally, picket line, political education session, or organizing workshop, HVALF hosts and supports events across all four counties. Events are a great first step for getting involved, meeting other union members, and learning how we build power.

next event - Check the calendar
host a training with your union or organization

4. Join HVALF’s Solidarity Action Network

When workers are under attack, we need to move fast. The Solidarity Action Network (SANE) is HVALF’s member-driven mobilization team. When a union needs support or when worker rights, democracy, or public services are threatened, SANE members help organize rallies, turn people out, and make visible our collective strength. As a member of the SANE, you’ll:

  • Get action alerts and rapid-response updates

  • Help plan and lead public actions

  • Support other workers in your region

  • Stand up for democracy and labor rights

click to sign up
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