BE4ALL: Securing our future

BE4ALL (Belonging and Excellence for All), a joint initiative of SMART, SMACNA and the International Training Institute, launched in December 2021.

When the leadership of the three organizations — along with the member-driven BE4ALL committee — first conceived of the initiative, they had a vision for a unionized sheet metal industry that is welcoming to ALL people. The word “all” was important. The goal was to create workplaces where every member — regardless of race, religion, gender, political affiliation, etc. — feels welcomed and supported. Leadership knew that if we could create this type of environment, it would help build stronger organizations. Stronger organizations would, in turn, build a stronger industry.

There are two parts to the work of BE4ALL: the human side, and the business side. The human side is about practicing the values of kindness, respect and solidarity: “I got your back.” Simply put, it is about being a better human being to one another.

The business side is about helping every member achieve excellence in their craft. It is also about recruiting and retaining more members. More members translates into job security and a strong pension.

The business side and the human side of BE4ALL go hand in hand. In order to bring in more workers and ensure that they are excellent in what they do, we have to create workplaces that will support everyone. This is what BE4ALL is about.

As we settle into 2025, please read this recap of the work we did last year, and where we are heading in the future.

2024 BE4ALL accomplishments

BE4ALL calendar: Published the second BE4ALL calendar. The calendar highlights dates and events of cultural and historic significance for our members.

Rapid Response Protocol: Developed a Rapid Response Protocol. The protocol provides guidance and best practices on how to properly handle complaints of bias in the industry. It also includes steps that organizations can take to prevent bias and proactively create environments that are welcoming.

Toolbox Talks: Published six BE4ALL Toolbox Talks. Each one contains tips, tools and strategies for how to create a more welcoming and respectful workplace and how to be better human beings to each other.

RISE Committees: Launched the SMART RISE Committee. RISE (Representation, Integrity, Support and Empowerment) provides a space for celebrating the experiences and addressing the needs of underrepresented members of our industry. The committee also supports our recruitment and retention efforts within underrepresented communities.

Learning Journeys: BE4ALL conducted several Learning Journeys in 2024, helping raise awareness about topics, events and issues important to SMART members, including mental health, addiction and recovery.

Bias and Belonging Trainings: As of August 2024, over 1,000 individuals — across all three organizations — have received some form of bias and belonging training. The content is designed to train apprentices, journeypersons, leaders and contractors in evidence-based strategies for reducing biases and stereotypes.

Communications: Throughout 2024, BE4ALL produced podcasts, social media content, articles, member contests and videos aimed at raising awareness of BE4ALL and why this work is important. On the SMART side, awareness of BE4ALL among the membership grew from 14 to 45% as of summer 2024.

Pedal to the Metal: Pedal to the Metal is an aggressive campaign to recruit new workers in response to the overwhelming demand created by megaprojects and unprecedented growth within our industry.

BE4ALL website: Launched a standalone website to compile all BE4ALL resources and content in a single location. Breakout sessions for industry leaders: Breakout sessions were held at SMART, SMACNA and Partners in Progress conferences to educate leadership across the industry about BE4ALL.

Plans for 2025

As 2025 gets underway, BE4ALL is continuing much of the previously described work. In addition, we recognize that we must have a stronger presence in the places where members live and work. Five new efforts will help accomplish this:

BE4ALL ambassadors and local BE4ALL committees: BE4ALL will recruit and train a network of “ambassadors:” committed members and leaders who will help promote the work of BE4ALL on the ground. Complementing the ambassadors will be a push to establish local BE4ALL committees. Local committees will help replicate the successful programs and partnerships that have been built at the International level.

Leadership town halls: It is important that members hear directly from leadership on why BE4ALL is important. To facilitate this, the initiative will organize at least three town hall meetings — two in-person, one virtual — featuring the leadership of SMART, SMACNA and the ITI. These town halls will enable members to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the vision for BE4ALL.

Community Outreach and Resident Engagement (CORE): There are thousands of nonprofit organizations in North America. Many are in communities — and work with populations — that are untapped markets for worker recruitment. CORE will seek to partner with these organizations to advance SMART and the unionized sheet metal industry’s recruitment goals.

Culture change: For BE4ALL to be successful, every member must be able to see, feel and engage with the work. To make this a reality, SMART, SMACNA and the ITI are rolling out a set of practices and behaviors that ALL members can practice on a regular basis. They include simple but important things like expressing gratitude to coworkers and acknowledging birthdays, anniversaries and other important events in the lives of fellow members.

Bottom line: When you add up everything discussed in this article, you have a roadmap to building a stronger union. This is how we transform our industry. This is how we practice being better human beings to one another. Not for some members. For ALL members.