Upper Marlboro, Maryland – A week-long IAM program brought young talented members from across the country together for hands-on training, leadership development, and exposure to the full breadth 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.”
Throughout the week, participants took part in a robust curriculum that included IAM history, strategic planning, parliamentary procedure, generational diversity, public speaking, organizing on the issues, common sense economics, human rights, and establishing effective committees. Sessions were led by experienced IAM educators and staff, ensuring participants received both practical skills and a strong grounding in union principles. The project encouraged the young members to plan how they will use the resources and tools they learned throughout the week in order to build successful union operations.
Some top IAM leaders stopped by the W3 Center to speak with and encourage the Young Workers. IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer Bryan Pinette, and Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen each addressed the group, sharing insights from their own union journeys and emphasizing the importance of young members stepping up and staying engaged.
