Arab American Workers' Forum, April 25 [FREE EVENT!]
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): Download Here
This newsletter was created by students in YWC25's Media Mastery workshop! ➡️
YoungWorkersConference2025_MediaMastery_Newsletter.pdf1. Digital Voices for Union Leaders: Unions are increasingly fighting not just at the bargaining table, but in the public arena. This interactive workshop introduces participants to digital tools and strategies that can help amplify worker voices and shape public narrative. Participants will practice creating content, sharing stories, and using digital platforms to strengthen connections with members and the community.
2. Finance 201: Financial stability is a key part of long-term worker security. This workshop explores approaches to financial planning, including retirement strategies, savings, and navigating economic uncertainty. Participants will leave with practical tools to support their financial well-being and a stronger understanding of how financial security connects to broader economic conditions facing workers.
3. Building Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Relationships: Workplaces are shaped by power, communication, and culture. This workshop focuses on building respectful and accountable relationships across differences and how strong relationships can support solidarity and collective action. Participants will explore communication strategies, boundary-setting, and how to cultivate environments where all workers feel valued and supported.
4. Health and Safety Essentials: Every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace, but those conditions often have to be fought for. This workshop introduces key health and safety laws, workplace protections, and organizing strategies that workers can use to identify hazards and take action. Participants will learn how to recognize unsafe conditions, understand their OSHA rights, and hold employers accountable.
5. Strong Voices, Strong Leadership: Want to make a difference in your union? This class is for you! This workshop will help union members build their voice and understand a union’s leadership roles. It will present a “Union 101” and equip participants with the skills to communicate effectively and contribute with confidence.
6. Labor Law and Organizing Basics: Organizing is at the core of building worker power. This workshop introduces the fundamentals of labor law and organizing, helping participants understand their rights and how to take collective action in their workplace. Participants will learn key concepts, basic organizing strategies, and how to begin building stronger worker representation.
7. From the Workplace to Community Voice: The issues workers face on the job are deeply connected to what happens in their communities. This workshop explores how workplace experiences can translate into broader civic and community engagement. Participants will learn how to connect workplace struggles to larger social and economic issues and identify ways to take action beyond the workplace.
8. Parliamentary Procedure Basics: Effective meetings are essential to strong, democratic organizations. This workshop introduces the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure and how to use it to participate in and lead structured, fair, and effective meetings. Participants will gain practical tools to bring forward ideas, navigate decision-making processes, and ensure their voices are heard.
9. Grievance Handling Basics: Handling grievances is a key part of defending workers’ rights on the job. This workshop introduces the grievance process and provides practical tools for addressing workplace issues. Participants will learn how to identify grievances, follow proper procedures, and work toward fair resolutions while strengthening trust and accountability within their union.
COST is $600 ($540 tuition, $60 mandatory meal fee)
Please register and pay by June, 18th, 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.
The last date to withdraw at no cost is Thursday, June 18th. 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.
First check-in is Thursday, June 25th from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. A welcome program that evening runs from 7 - 9 pm. There is a second check-in period from 7:30 - 9 am Friday, June 26th. Friday and Saturday programs begin at 9 am and run until 5 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 $134 per night (Standard) or $159/$275 per night (Executive/Suite) plus taxes. Rooms are held at this rate until Thursday June 18th. Mention YWC for these rates. Note hotel cancellation deadlines. You will be charged if you fail to cancel by the hotel’s deadline.
Visit this link to make hotel reservations with our group discount.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Call to inquire or refer to the scholarship portion of our website.
