Young Activists Watch and Learn

Union members age 35 and under said their first convention gave them insight to the inner workings of the APWU. 

William Emmons, a member of the Northern VT Area Local, said observing the debates and engaging in discussions with others helped him become a more informed delegate. 

“It’s helpful to learn how the process works,” Emmons said. “I’m able to understand what I’m voting for and able to vote correctly based on the knowledge.”

Many young members said the convention’s theme of Standing Up, Fighting Back mirrored their beliefs of what the future of the APWU holds.

Warren Mee, of the Southern Oregon Area Local said, “I think we have a strong future – a lot of young people are getting active.

“In the past, young people weren’t involved in labor activisim, but now we’re seeing the need for it,” added Arrion Brown, member of the Nation’s Capitol Southern Maryland Area Local.

Christina Halbert, member of the Billings (MT) Area Local, said she is excited to share what she learned when she gets back home. “The workshops were awesome,” she said. “I like information that I can use and I am going to get together with all of the other union representatives to brainstorm and figure out what’s best for our local.”

Jha-Kari Selver, member of the Miami (FL) Area Local, was happy to see the delegates spend so much time working on issues affecting Postal Support Employees (PSEs).

“As a younger worker, I often hear people say that I shouldn’t expect to have a job for very long because the Postal Service is dwindling,” she said. “But, coming here and seeing the union fight for PSEs is inspiring.”

While embracing the fact that workers like her are the future of the APWU, Taryn Thorn, member of Norfolk (VA) Local 262 admitted she is feeling the pressure of representing her coworkers as well as the older union representatives in her local.

“I’m the youngest shop steward in my plant and after coming to the convention, people are going to expect me to have the answers,” she said.

But, any nervousness has been relieved by the veteran delegates.

“It’s been really powerful and I feel completely welcome,” she said.

Thorn also said locals can help young workers get more involved in future conventions.

“I think if more were encouraged by their locals, they would jump at the chance to be here.”