WHEREAS:

Investing in the next generation of union leaders, with special attention to women, people of color, and newly-organized workers, is a strategic priority for AFSCME; and

WHEREAS:
In June, 2009, 600 AFSCME members and staff gathered in Chicago at the union’s first ever Next Wave Conference.  More than two thirds of those who came were under the age of 35; and

WHEREAS:
This historic conference was the most recent and exciting manifestation of an experiment in leadership development for young and new members, which started with local union projects in Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington state in 2006 and has expanded to more than ten major AFSCME affiliates in 2010; and

WHEREAS:
The Next Wave has grown and thrived as a grassroots movement that lives in AFSCME locals and councils across the country to develop union activism and leadership among young members, with support from the AFSCME Education Department.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That every major AFSCME affiliate will create its own council- or local-based Next Wave program in order to create pathways to union leadership for young and new members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME affiliates at every level (chapters, locals, councils, and the international union) will recruit Next Wave members and leaders as participants in every major union event, from meetings to trainings to conferences and conventions; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the national union will continue to provide support and resources to encourage the growth of the Next Wave movement within AFSCME.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY:  
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD