Free couples’ addiction recovery retreat Dec. 14-15 in Seattle

SEATTLE — “As unionists, we fight for the well-being of all working people on the job and off, because we know that what we do at work impacts us at home,” wrote April Sims, Secretary Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, in a recent column at The Stand. “This is why the labor movement is focusing energy and resources on supporting workers seeking treatment for addiction, and working to educate their members and the broader community on early warning signs of addiction.”

To that end, the WSLC will also host “A Roadmap for the Journey,” an addiction recovery retreat for couples, scheduled for Dec. 14-15 in Joe Crump Hall at UFCW 21, 5030 1st Ave. South in Seattle. Spots are still available to this retreat, which is confidential and free of charge to union members. (Download the event flyer. Contact wkamakahi@wslc.org to RSVP.)

This is a new, research-based couples workshop designed to address the challenges unique to relationships impacted by addiction and recovery. Whether one or both are recovering from alcohol, drugs, and/or behavioral addictions, this workshop will help strengthen couples. Participants will receive information, tools, and support to learn how to effectively manage conflict, build greater connection, generate stability, and create a supportive and sustainable relationship. This workshop is not appropriate for couples where there is active addiction. See the event flyer for more details.

In addition to the WSLC, this free retreat is sponsored by the Washington Education Association, Painters and Allied Trades District Council 5, Washington Building and Construction Trades Council, Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council, and Machinists District Council 751.

This year, the WSLC began offering AA meetings at its convention and the council committed to maintaining sober spaces at all of its events, as called for in the WSLC’s 2019 resolution, “Promoting Safety and a Supportive Environment at Labor Convenings,” approved by union delegates from across Washington.