As Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler reported at the last Executive Council meeting in Orlando, the AFL-CIO has undertaken an aggressive outreach program to young workers both in the labor movement, and outside, among activists and workers who have been devastated by the economic downturn. Young workers are the future of the labor movement; that is why we are hosting the first-ever national summit of, and for, young workers called “Next Up” on June 10-13, 2010 in Washington, D.C.
The “Next Up” young workers summit is an opportunity for our emerging leaders to share their thoughts and ideas about how the labor movement can attract and empower young workers. Participants will collaborate with their peers during a weekend of plenary sessions, breakout gatherings and work groups that will focus on mobilizing and capacity building; the 2010 Elections; the jobs campaign; coalition building; and the skills that are needed to implement the long-term young worker program in their communities.
We invite you to send your emerging leaders between the ages of 18-35 to take part in this exciting endeavor. The summit will be held at the Washington Hilton on 1919 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Space is limited, and we want to ensure that we have a diverse group of participants and that every organization is represented. Therefore, please begin registering your delegates on April 22, 2010. We will accept registration on a first come, first served basis until Monday, May 3, 2010 at www.aflcio.org/NextUp . Once your registration is complete, you may reserve your hotel rooms online at www.aflcio.org/NextUp/hotel . The group rate is $159 plus tax. After the May 3 deadline, we will have limited availability for additional registrations until Friday, May 21. If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Pacheco, Assistant to the Secretary-Treasurer, at nextup@aflcio.org.
The summit will begin with a welcome reception on Thursday evening, June 10, at the hotel. This will be a wonderful opportunity for your emerging leader(s) to meet with you and your designated point person. Please save the date as we will send a formal invitation shortly.
Liz Shuler, Arlene Holt Baker and I would like to thank you for your support of the young worker initiative, and we look forward to an exciting and productive summit.
