AFSCME Wisconsin Next Wavers Demonstrate Commitment
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This is a crosspost from AFSCME. Check out the AFL-CIO Next Up, where young people come together to find out about the union movement.
AFSCME’s Next Wave of young activists swept into Milwaukee in September, paving the way to elect worker-friendly candidates, volunteering in the community and discussing how to build a new generation of union leaders. AFSCME’s Next Wave conference brings together young union members who represent the next generation of union leadership.
“We have a strong foundation to build on,” said corrections officer Matt Davis, a member of AFSCME Local 48, and one of three masters of ceremony.
But there can be no question that we have to keep building. We cannot rely on the legendary leaders that have brought us here.
Davis was one of about 160 members, ages 35 and younger, who converged in Milwaukee for three days to attend the state’s first-ever Next Wave conference. Nearly 13 percent of AFSCME’s members are age 35 and under. Read the rest of this entry »
AFSCME’s Next Wave Diving into Labor 2010
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Karen Hickey of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO lets us know that young AFSCME members in Wisconsin kicked off their statewide Next Wave conference last week by knocking on thousands of doors in Milwaukee.
After a morning of community service, some 150 AFSCME members from around the state took to the streets to talk to union members about the importance of the fall elections. AFSCME’s Next Wave conference brings together young union members who represent the next generation of union leadership.
The day’s events ended with a rally of more than 300 workers outside of the Milwaukee County Courthouse. In a show of solidarity, members from other unions stood with AFSCME to highlight Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker’s record of slashing essential services as Milwaukee County executive. The rally countered attacks on public employees who have become a staple of conservative campaigns.
For more on the Wisconsin Next Wave conference, click here.
AFSCME Preparing Next Wave of Union Leaders
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AFSCME is hard at work preparing the next generation of union leaders. Last month, more than 500 AFSCME members, age 35 and under, met in Chicago for the union’s first national Next Wave Conference—three days of activism, strategizing and learning about the union movement.
During an electronic town meeting, the young AFSCME members talked about their goals and expectations as union activists and ideas on how to promote participation in their local unions.
At workshops, attendees learned how to address the media, conduct local union meetings, develop leadership skills and understand the country’s financial crisis. There even were some sessions for “older and wiser” activists and leaders who are playing a role in mentoring new and young activists.
