Young members get wild on their weekend

by Carrie Bell

On a very wet and wild and windy November weekend, a group of UNISON's young members met in Glasgow for our twice-yearly training weekend.

During the weekend we discussed the history of the trade union movement, the structure of UNISON and young members' role within the branch committee to name but a few topics explored.

We reviewed our 2006 work plan and our campaign '8 ways to Activ8'. This campaign aims to encourage branches to get two young members active and, most importantly, make sure that they have a young members' officer to motivate their young members and encourage the branch to take on young members' views.

Activities were enjoyable and fun, allowing participants to express their views. Of course in true young members' style there was no work without play and the Saturday night social event was as competitive and exciting as ever.

Many then moved on to other places in Glasgow later. Around half of those attending for the weekend were NEW activists - proving our campaign is working!

The weekend was well received by everyone and we hope that at our next training and AGM weekend in the first half of 2007 we will have even more new young members.

You don't have to be active within your branch to participate - all you need is a willingness to find out more about UNISON and about becoming active.

All branches will receive information on the training weekend so just ask yours to keep you informed. Contact j.stewart@unison.co.uk

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