IAM members from various industries recently gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center to participate in the IAM Young Workers Program. The event was organized by Dee Colbert, Director of IAM Women’s and Young Workers.
The weeklong program aimed to prepare young union members for leadership roles by offering hands-on training and exposure to different aspects of the union’s work. According to Colbert, “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. 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 attended sessions on topics such as IAM history, strategic planning, parliamentary procedure, generational diversity, public speaking, organizing around key issues, economics relevant to unions, human rights, and how to establish effective committees. These sessions were led by experienced educators from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
During the program, attendees worked in groups to develop strategic plans for creating Young Worker Committees in their local unions. One group presented its project as a podcast to demonstrate innovative communication methods for reaching younger audiences.
The IAM Communications Department also held a session focused on messaging strategies. This provided participants with tools for engaging fellow members and supporting committee-building efforts once they return 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 own experiences in union leadership and encouraged young members to remain active within the organization.
