IAM members from various regions and industries gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center to participate in the IAM Young Workers Program. The event, organized by Dee Colbert, Director of IAM Women’s and Young Workers, aimed to support members interested in forming Young Worker Committees within their local unions.
The program lasted a week and focused on leadership development, practical training, and an introduction to different aspects of union 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 attended sessions covering topics such as IAM history, strategic planning, parliamentary procedure, generational diversity, public speaking, organizing around issues important to workers, economics relevant to unions, human rights concerns, and how to establish effective committees. These sessions were led by experienced educators from IAM.
As part of the program requirements, attendees worked in groups to create strategic plans for setting up Young Worker Committees in their home unions. Some participants explored new approaches for outreach; one group presented its plan through a podcast format.
The IAM Communications Department provided instruction on effective messaging strategies. This session was intended to help participants communicate more effectively with union members when building committees locally.
Senior figures from IAM also addressed the group during the week. General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes spoke alongside Bryan Pinette (Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer) and Richie Johnsen (Air Transport Territory General Vice President), offering advice based on their own experiences in union leadership roles.
