EC Meeting Papers July 2018

44 INTERNATIONALISM EVENTS HOW TO SIGN UP ADVANCED SKILLS ARTS & CULTURE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS FOUNDATION SKILLS EDUCATIONAL PRINCIPLES

Union Building Conference Date: 15 - 17 February 2019

stories of members coming along to dip their toes into the relatively unknown world of trade unions and leaving hungry to be actively involved in their union whether in their workplace, region or nationally. In previous years we’ve had members attend the event, which has started them on a journey that has seen them progress into paid trade union officials. It’s a weekend where members can meet others like them from different unions, share their experiences, realise they aren’t alone in facing the issues they do at work and understand that collectively they are stronger not only to make a difference in their jobs but actually within the trade union movement too. The event covers everything from introducing trade unions, the history of the movement, employment rights, campaigning in different forms, politics media and economics as well as looking at what happens internationally! The weekend has been organised by young people for young people, a few years ago the GFTU recognised that something different was needed to attract young people into the movement, something that didn’t revolve around motions and formal conferences as that can be daunting for any first time attendee! But something that was welcoming, educational and enjoyable. The young members development weekend is designed to encourage young people to be active in the movement give them the confidence and the tools to do so whilst validating their knowledge and experiences. This popular weekend event, aimed at young activists brings trade unionism alive. Issues are looked at, and discussed, in a friendly, open and engaging manner; and range from young workers’ rights to ‘debunking’ economics, and the power and importance of organising in the workplace and the wider community. Those interested in unions, or thinking about joining, are as welcome as activists who are keen to hone their skills and understanding, and to get more involved. All transport and accommodation costs are met in order to encourage the widest possible participation, regardless of means. Applications for the 2019 Festival should be made through your own union and submitted by March 2019.

Location: Yarnfield Park Training & Conference Centre This three day conference, spread over a weekend, is designed to bring together activists and officials from our affiliated unions in order to discuss the strategies, tactics and ideas that shape and build our Movement. This builds upon the enormously successful founding Summit of 2015 and the subsequent conferences in 2015, 2016 & 2017; establishing this an important annual event in our affiliates’ calendars. Key structural, legal, financial, organisational, educative, political and international issues are discussed, over the course of the weekend with experts drawn from across the Labour Movement and Higher Education. There is a subsidised delegate charge for the event and bursaries are offered to enable all of our affiliated unions to fully participate.

GFTU Young Members Development Weekend Date: 5 - 7 April 2019 Location: Quorn Grange Hotel

The weekend sees the picturesque Quorn Grange hotel located in Quorn, Loughborough open its doors to young trade unionists for an event full of inspiration, opportunity, education and networking, a real chance for young members across the movement to develop their skills, extend their knowledge and create links with other trade unions. The weekend is suitable for members from all of the affiliates, from those who are fairly new members who want to find out a bit more, to those who are more experienced and active in their union and those who want to connect with other young members and fill in gaps to their knowledge. This is an annual event and each year we have success

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