IAM members from various industries recently attended the IAM Young Workers Program at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. The program was organized by Dee Colbert, Director of IAM Women’s and Young Workers.
The weeklong event focused on training young union members to develop Young Worker Committees within their local unions. Attendees participated in leadership development activities and learned about different aspects of the union’s work.
“This initiative is designed to engage and empower the next generation of union members by providing them with exposure to a wide range of departments, leaders, and opportunities within our movement,” said Colbert. “It is imperative that we give young workers meaningful experiences that deepen their understanding of union values and help shape their leadership mindset as they prepare for long, successful careers in the labor movement.”
Participants were involved in sessions covering topics such as IAM history, strategic planning, parliamentary procedure, generational diversity, public speaking, organizing around issues, economics related to labor, human rights, and committee-building strategies. These sessions were led by experienced educators from IAM.
During the program, attendees worked in groups to create strategic plans for establishing Young Worker Committees in their own local unions. One group presented its project through a podcast format as an example of using modern media tools for outreach.
The IAM Communications Department also provided training on effective messaging techniques to help participants engage other members and support their committee-building efforts after returning home.
Several senior IAM officials visited the center during the program. General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, Special Assistant Bryan Pinette, and Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen spoke with participants about their experiences in the union and encouraged young members to take active roles.
