Every two years, hundreds of SEIU 503 member leaders from every corner of Oregon come together for our union’s largest democratic gathering: General Council.

Over four days, elected delegates discuss and vote on resolutions that shape our union’s priorities, elect leadership, participate in workshops and trainings, and build relationships with fellow members across sectors and regions. It’s where members come together to share ideas, tackle the challenges facing working people, and chart the course for our union’s future.

General Council is the highest governing body of SEIU 503, making it one of the most important events in our union. Every resolution adopted and every decision made helps guide our work for the next two years and beyond.

General Council 2026 will be held August 20–23, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, bringing together hundreds of elected delegates for four days of democracy, learning, leadership, and solidarity.

General Council Schedule at a Glance

Thursday, August 20

Morning

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. Board Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Board Meeting (includes lunch)
• 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Delegate Check-In
• 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. General Council Volunteer Training
  • Tour event spaces
  • Review duties and schedules
• 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Hyatt Help Desk Open
  • Member Check-In Open

Afternoon

• 1:00–2:00 p.m. Optional Workshops (5 sessions)
• 2:00–2:30 p.m. Break
• 2:30–3:30 p.m.
  • Optional Workshops (5 sessions)
  • Delegate Orientation
• 3:30–4:00 p.m. Plenary Seating Opens
• 4:00–5:30 p.m.Official Opening of General Council
  • Welcome
  • Opening Program
  • Governance Session

Evening

• 6:00–8:00 p.m. CAPE Dinner
• 6:30–9:30 p.m. Welcome Reception & Dinner (Hyatt)
• 8:00–11:00 p.m. Evening Activities
  • Latin dance lessons & open dancing
  • Club503
  • Movie Night
  • Craft Room

Friday, August 21

Morning

• 7:00–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
• 7:00–8:00 a.m. Homecare Breakfast
• 7:00–9:00 a.m. Hyatt Help Desk Open
• 8:00–8:45 a.m. Delegate Orientation
• 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Check-In Desk Open
• 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Union City & Purple Store Open
• 8:45–9:15 a.m. Committee Welcome & Final Preparations
• 9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Committee Meetings
  • Bylaws
  • ESPIA
  • Employee Representation
  • Member Affairs
  • Union Operations
• 10:30–10:45 a.m. Committee Break (timing may vary)
• 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Lunch

Afternoon

• 1:15–3:00 p.m. General Council Program Session
• 3:00–3:30 p.m. Break
• 3:30–4:00 p.m. General Council Program Session
• 4:00–6:00 p.m.
  • Committee Meetings (if needed)
  • Union City Open / Extended Break (if committees conclude)

Evening

• 6:30–10:00 p.m. Political Dinner

Saturday, August 22

Morning

• 7:00–8:30 a.m.
  • Breakfast
  • Homecare Breakfast
• 7:00–9:00 a.m. Hyatt Help Desk Open
• 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Check-In Desk Open
• 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Union City & Purple Store Open
• 9:00–10:15 a.m. General Council Program Session
• 10:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Governance Session

Afternoon

• 12:15–1:00 p.m. Lunch
• 1:00–1:45 p.m. Action in Support of the Higher Education Bargaining Campaign
• 2:00–3:00 p.m. Governance Session
• 3:00–3:30 p.m. Break
• 3:30–5:00 p.m. Governance Session
• 5:00–6:00 p.m. Extended Break

Evening

• 5:30–10:00 p.m. Saturday Reception & Celebration
• 6:00–7:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner
• 7:00–7:45 p.m. AFRAM Celebration
• 7:00–10:00 p.m. Evening Activities
  • Selfie Booths
  • Dance Party
  • Club503 & Karaoke

Sunday, August 23

Morning

• 7:00–8:30 a.m.
  • Breakfast
  • Homecare Breakfast
• 7:00–9:00 a.m. Hyatt Help Desk Open
• 7:30–9:15 a.m. Hotel Check-Out (Hyatt will hold luggage)
• 7:45–8:30 a.m. Breakfast Announcements & Raffle Drawing
• 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Check-In Desk Open
• 8:00–11:15 a.m. Union City & Purple Store Open
• 9:00–10:00 a.m. Statewide Officer Candidate Speeches
• 10:00–10:45 a.m. Governance Session
• 10:45–11:15 a.m. Break (Union City & Purple Store close after the break.)
• 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Governance Session

Afternoon

• 12:00–1:00 p.m. Lunch
• 1:00–3:00 p.m. Final Governance Session