Twenty-seven IAM, TCU and NFFE members gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology
Center in Southern Maryland for the first-ever Young Machinists Strategy Workers class.
Nearly 30 of the IAM’s next generation of leaders and activists gathered at the William W. Winpisinger (WWW) Education and Technology Center in Southern Maryland for the first-ever Young Machinists pilot program.
Click here to watch the Machinists News Network video, “Young Machinists Strategy Workers Pilot Program.”
The weeklong Young Machinists Strategy Workers class introduced IAM, TCU and NFFE members to leadership opportunities in their union and resources at the WWW Center. The program, organized by IAM General Vice President Diane Babineaux and her staff, featured topics of discussion ranging from organizing to the legislative process.
“Bringing together some of the Machinist Union’s brightest young minds in one room can only strengthen the future of our union,” said Babineaux. “Talking to some of these young people this week makes it clear – the IAM is in good hands when the next generation takes the reigns.”
“I really felt confident about the future of our movement looking around that room and seeing that energy,” said WWW Center Director Chris Wagoner. “It made me feel good. It made me feel hopeful.”
The IAM has hosted numerous gatherings geared toward its younger members, including the Young Workers and Emerging Leaders Conference in San Antonio, TX in January and the NFFE Young Federal Leaders Trainingclass at the WWW Center in June.
“If it’s just me and guys and girls my own age, then I’m going to feel comfortable and open to talk to them about anything,” said Dan Janssen, 33, who recently became Vice President of Ontario Local 2323.
Stay up-to-date with the Young Machinists on their Facebook page by clicking here.
Click here to watch “Young Machinists Strategy Workers Pilot Program.”
