Stepping up to speak for other young workers has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my union journey so far. I serve as the Region 1 representative on the UWUA Young Workers Initiative Committee, and I recently had the opportunity to sit down with the leadership of Local 1-2 to help relaunch our local Young Workers Committee and present our goals and agenda. It was my first time formally representing this effort at the local level — and it showed me how powerful it is when young members use their voices and are heard.
The meeting was requested by Local 1-2 President Frank Morales and included senior business agents and the secretary-treasurer, which sent a strong message that this initiative matters. We discussed how the Young Workers Committee can operate under the direction of the local, with priorities shaped by local needs. That kind of support and structure gives young members a real pathway to contribute and lead.
We reviewed the broader YWIC agenda, including Adopt-a-School partnerships, financial literacy education, recruiting and training young stewards, and increasing young worker involvement in union meetings and activities. A major focus is helping newer members understand what the union does, how contracts and grievances work, and why participation matters. We also talked about outreach — not just educating young workers but encouraging them to get involved early and stay engaged.
One of my personal goals is to build stronger connections with schools we visit and show students that union careers offer real opportunity and stability. If we can help bring the next generation into the industry and into the union, we’re strengthening both.
What I took away most from this meeting is pride — pride in stepping forward, pride in being trusted to represent young workers, and pride in knowing that leadership starts with participation. The future of our union doesn’t just happen on its own. It grows when members raise their hands, speak up, and get involved. I’m proud to be doing my part.