Know before you go

Know Before You Go
Dream. Rise. Organize 2025
Tucson, AZ

Greetings Dream. Rise. Organize Attendees,

We look forward to having you join us for our in-person Dream. Rise. Organize Regional Meeting in Tucson, AZ (September 2 - September 4, 2025). We are excited to have SEIU Local and International Union staff in Tucson to cultivate a vision of Joy, Unity & Purpose in our Organizing Community.

As we approach the Dream. Rise. Organize convening, we wanted to highlight some important information for all participants, as well as our community agreements for this space. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Please download and join our WhatsApp Group Chat to stay up to date. We will use the WhatsApp chat during and post conference to communicate updates, share any pertinent information, and more.

We’ve also created a shareable drive folder to access our Agenda, Learning Space Descriptions and more! Please fill out your choice for each Learning Space - HERE.

FLIGHTS & TRANSPORTATION

All guests should plan to arrive by 4:00PM MT on Tuesday, September 2nd.  Our convening will take place at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa (245 E Ina Rd, Tucson AZ 85704). When you arrive, you should plan to take a taxi or rideshare to the hotel (roughly 25-30 minutes away from the Tucson International Airport). Feel free to connect with other attendees through our WhatsApp, if you’d like to arrange a carpool to and from the airport.

Our program is set to close with to-go Lunch at 12:00PM on Tuesday, September 4th. We are asking our guests to book their departing flights after 2:30PM to ensure participation on our last day.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Once you arrive at the Westward Look Resort & Spa, please enter through the main lobby entrance and check into your room. Registration will take place from 4:00 - 6:15PM in the Sonoran Ballroom Foyer. Dinner will be served starting at 5:00PM on the Sonoran Roof.

Check out the Hotel Map for additional information.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Per SEIU’s updated COVID policy, COVID testing and masking is no longer mandatory. There will be tests and masks available for your use throughout the convening if you so choose. In the event you do test positive, please contact Dalinda Fermin (dalinda.fermin@seiu.org) or 202-549-5506 and Jason Hernandez (jason.hernandez@seiu.org) or 202-684-5562. We strongly encourage everyone to test for COVID ahead of your travels.

MEALS

Meals will be provided throughout the convening – meal times and locations can be found on our Agenda. For those arriving Monday afternoon, Dinner will be served starting at 5:00PM on the Sonoran Roof. Beverages and snacks will be provided through the convening in the Sonoran Ballroom Foyer.

WHAT TO BRING / WEATHER

Tucson has a hot and dry desert climate – It tends to be cooler in the mornings and evenings and hot during the day. We encourage you to wear clothes that  make you feel comfortable and are convening appropriate. There are multiple pools throughout the hotel as well as a gym open for your use. Sun protection is also advisable, and we encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help keep you hydrated.

We will also have a designated Arts Space as part of our program – for those musically inclined, please feel free to bring your instrument!

CRISIS/EMERGENCY

If at any time during the convening you experience or witness any unsafe environment, crisis or emergency, please contact Dalinda Fermin (dalinda.fermin@seiu.org, 202-549-5506) and Jomo Radcliff (jomo.radcliff@seiu.org, 213-218-5161).

Should you have any questions regarding the Dream. Rise. Organize Program, please contact Hevily Espinoza (hevily.espinoza@seiu.org) or Dalinda Fermin (dalinda.fermin@seiu.org)

Questions regarding logistics should be directed to Jason Hernandez (jason.hernandez@seiu.org).

Thank you for taking the time to read this email in its entirety. We look forward to seeing you in Tucson!