This collective effort seeks to consolidate stronger networks, increase representation, and provide organizations with tools to defend rights and achieve better working conditions.

From the point of view of Francisco Vargas, from SINTRADISTRITALES, these spaces are valuable because they allow: "to get to know new tools, other processes and people who also work in the construction and strengthening of union activity", thus contributing to a more solid network of collective work.

The experience also had a strong practical component. "I loved the workshop because it allowed us to learn strategies to apply in our new role in the union and in our daily work in the children's homes," expressed Janeth Franco, from Redhogares Infantiles, highlighting the importance of acquiring practical tools at this key moment for her organization.

In addition, the process was committed to a multiplier effect of learning. As Mónica Montañez, from the Sindicato de Empleados Distritales de Bogotá (SINDISTRITALES) pointed out: "It is about being trainers of trainers... generating awareness in the union organization so that we can all learn and use these useful tools".

The importance of converting training into concrete results was highlighted by PSI Andean sub-regional secretary Susana Barria, who concluded: "Through these tools, unions can transform their organizational capacity into collective power to defend rights and win new working conditions.

The Workshop on Tools and Methodologies for Union Strengthening was held in Bogota from July 8 to 11, with the active participation of representatives of SINDISTRITALES, SINTRADISTRITALES, SUNET, PSI affiliated unions and the recently formed union, Red de Hogares Infantiles (Network of Children's Homes). It was led by Public Services International (PSI) and the National Trade Union School (ENS), and included analysis of the organizational context, strategic communication, identification of natural leadership and other key organizational methodologies for union action.