Register now for ‘Young Workers Unite’ virtual school

SEATTLE — Are you a union member 35 years old or younger looking to build your organizing, leadership, and campaign development skills? Are you looking to meet other labor activists trade lessons and experiences, and build cross-union solidarity?

In February and early March, the Washington State Labor Education and Research Center, Washington Young Emerging Labor Leaders (WA YELL), and the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO will present “Young Workers Unite: Union Leadership Virtual School,” a free four-course series held via Zoom by and for young union members looking to build power for the next generation of Washington’s labor movement. (See the event flier.)

Registration is now open for the following workshops, which will be offered virtually on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.:

1) Feb. 20 — Identifying Issues, Building a Campaign
2) Feb. 27 — Demystifying the Labor Movement
3) March 5 — Empowerment Through Relationship Building
4) March 19 — Race and Labor 

These free workshops are designed for young workers (35 years old or younger) to grow their understanding of the labor movement, share lessons with other young union members, and envision what their next steps in organized labor might look like. The intended audience are young workers who have or have demonstrated a desire to grow within and support our growing labor movement.

Joaquín Rodríguez, Director of Racial and Gender Justice for the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will be leading the March 19 Race and Labor workshop.

“Building our collective power by encouraging young labor leaders is how we will continue to lead transformative change in our communities,” Rodríguez said. “Our investment in our future union activists will ensure that our vision for a more just and equitable society comes to fruition.”

NOTE: The event organizers are still seeking potential speakers and panelists who would like to share their experiences with other young workers in Washington’s union movement. Contact James Oliveros at James.Oliveros@seattlecolleges.edu for more information.