Departments
Education
It is a core value of AFA-CWA to promote economic and social justice for all workers through education and action. Leadership development and member education and activism continue to be a priority of AFA-CWA. We are committed to building and promoting member engagement.
Leadership and learning are two halves of a whole and are vital to each other. AFA-CWA has developed an Online Learning Academy designed to broaden opportunities for training and education. Course content can be accessed using electronic devices such as computers, tablets or phones allowing AFA-CWA to reach out to both leaders and members using a supplemental educational setting outside that of a traditional classroom.
Online Learning AcademyOnline Learning Academy

The Online Learning Academy is a secure site that requires a log-in. Once you’ve signed up, you can access a variety of courses and training paths. The value of participating through the Online Learning Academy is that your performance is automatically stored in the system where you can access it whenever you like. Additionally, your performance can be accessed by the International Staff Representatives who oversee training at AFA-CWA and provided to your Local Leadership when appropriate.
CoursesOur Courses
The following training modules are available here to provide the broadest dissemination of training opportunities. Feel free to explore all the training modules which are of interest to you.
AFA 101
This course consists of short modules that: Recount the history of AFA and the past events that shaped our union into what it is today; describe each level of the AFA organizational structure and how they are interrelated; explain how dues are allocated and used throughout our Union for member representation; explain why we use committees and how they are established and function; explain guidelines for the use of email, and social media in Union communications.
How our Union Leaders are Elected
This short video explains the structure of our union and how officer are elected at the Local Executive Council (LEC) and the Master Executive Council (MEC) levels.
What is the AFA Board of Directors
This course consists of short modules that explain: Who comprises the Board of Directors; the purpose of the Board of Directors meeting; the format of the meeting; the agenda process; the voting process.
Onboard Fume Events – How to Recognize and Respond
This online course consists of short modules that explain how to determine if you are experiencing a fume event and how to react.
Human Trafficking Awareness
The new Blue Lighting Initiative training, led by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Transportation, is an element of the DHS Blue Campaign.