UFCW Canada’s renowned youth activism and leadership program recently added yet another success to its long list of achievements with the completion of the 2010 Prairie Regional Youth Internship Program (YIP).
Held in Gimli, Manitoba, the Prairie YIP welcomed 13 UFCW Canada activists from Locals 649 and 1400 in Saskatchewan and Locals 832 and 1869 in Manitoba. The week-long training session was dedicated to building knowledge about the Canadian labour movement and developing practical skills for union activists to use in the workplace and beyond.
“The Youth Internship Program continues to be a great resource for our young members and an exciting way to integrate youth into their union as activists and future leaders,” says UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley.
The Prairie YIP participants focused on the importance of organizing and took part in a number of collective bargaining exercises. They also looked at corporate globalization, its impact on our communities, and the need for workers to engage in political action, reports national representative Enver Harbans, who facilitated the Gimli session.
“The Prairie YIP was an excellent experience for everyone involved,” says Brother Harbans. “The participants felt informed and empowered after the week long session, and all graduated from the program reaffirming their commitment to advancing their union and dedicated to taking back the new information to their workplaces, schools and communities.”
UFCW Canada members interested in participating in the YIP are invited to contact their local union president.
Vol. X No. 38 • September 27, 2010