The Young Worker Conference invites all workers, union or non-union, and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing working persons. Conference is led by workers 35 years or younger, but is open to all ages. You need only be young in spirit! We welcome participants from all genders and all cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Information and registration for our upcoming conference below.
You can review the curriculums offered at past conferences below. To see photos and video from past conferences, visit the Young Workers Facebook Page.
PDF Version (for emailing & printing): YWC PDF Flyer
JPG Version (for social media sharing): YWC JPG Flyer Front, YWC JPG Flyer Back
1-Print Media: Learn fundamental print and social media skills and strategies. These skills will prepare you for interfacing with the public and serving on communications committees. Workshop participants team up for hands-on learning to produce the official conference newsletter and social media content in a variety of digital formats. Learn campaign messaging tools and how to stay on point during interviews. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera and laptop.
2- Personal Finance 101: This workshop will set the foundation for establishing your financial goals and understanding the financial tools needed for you to accomplish those goals. Topics include planning for your future, budgeting, and investing.
3- How to Run an Effective Meeting / Parliamentary Procedure: Running an effective meeting is a skill you can dramatically improve by using the principles of parliamentary procedure. In this workshop, learn and practice the rules used to lead or participate in official union and community meetings. You are encouraged to bring your local bylaws.
4- Understanding Contract Language: Union contracts are the culmination of struggle and hard fought negotiations. They hold critically important information on rights and benefits that unions have won that you need to know. Learn how to read and interpret contracts so that you know your rights. You are encouraged to bring your national and local contracts.
5- Welcome to the Union!: If you are new to the union and interested in learning how your union works, this workshop is for you. You will learn the basics of the union, the committees, and what language in your contract that you should know.
6-Empowerment through Organizing: Are you passionate about fighting for the rights of yourself and others? Join this workshop and learn how to organize inside and outside of your workplace, making positive change both on the job and in your community.
7- Campaigning 101: Getting and Staying Elected: Are you interested in running for an elected union position or political office? This workshop will help you develop the strategies and skills needed to run a successful campaign.
8- Mental Health and Work-Life Balance: Maintaining positive mental health in today’s world is a growing issue faced by many. This workshop will explore the challenges of balancing the demands of both home and work. You will learn tools and techniques to help yourself or others overcome these challenges.
9- Welcome to the Building Trades: In this workshop, we welcome those in the building trades and all who want to understand the ins and outs of how building trade unions operate. Learn the difference between the building trade unions and other types of unions, make connections, and build solidarity!
10- Leadership Skills: Being an effective leader is a necessity in every aspect of our lives. Join this workshop and learn how to develop your leadership skills. Empower yourself to inspire others!
COST is $600 ($540 tuition, $60 mandatory meal fee)
Please register and pay by May, 30th, 2025. If we receive the full $600 payment by that date, you are eligible for the Express Lane—a shorter wait in line to check in. Mandatory meal payment covers 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts. Tuition assistance programs (TAP) cover tuition, but not meals. If using TAP, apply for $540 tuition. You or your union must include the $60 meal payment with your registration.
First check-in is Thursday, June 6th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. A welcome program that evening runs from 7 - 9 pm. There is a second check-in period from 7:30-9:00 am Friday, June 7th. Friday and Saturday programs begin at 9am and run until 5:00 pm.
The Somerset Inn, 2601 W Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084.
Call (800) 228-8769 or (248) 643-7800 to reserve a room at the Somerset Inn at $124 per night (Queen Bed) or $149 per night (King bed) plus taxes. Rooms are held at this rate until Thursday May 30th, 2023. Mention YWC for these rates. Note hotel cancellation deadlines. You will be charged if you fail to cancel by the hotel’s deadline.
The last date to withdraw at no cost is Thursday, May 30th. To be valid, cancellations must be emailed to CLCS.info@umich.edu. Registrants who not cancel by the deadline or fail to attend owe full payment of $600.00.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Call to inquire or refer to the scholarship portion of our website.
