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.
Delegate Resources
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.
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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
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This committee develops messaging, trainings, materials, and manages HVALF’s digital footprint.
Chair: Sonya Alvarado, salvarado@aftmichigan.org
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This committee connects labor to climate justice, clean energy, AI-driven transitions, and long-term sustainability efforts.
Chair: Liz Ratzloff, eratzloff@gmail.com
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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.
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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.