The Massachusetts AFL-CIO Futures Program 

The newly created Massachusetts AFL-CIO Futures Program is a forum designed to bring young union members together to better understand the struggles and strategies of various sectors and industries, and to foster renewed unity in the Massachusetts Labor Movement. It is time that young union members assume leadership positions within their unions, communities, and the broader Labor Movement. Our movement is ever evolving to keep up with the changing world around us and the younger generation of labor activists has a fresh, innovative set of ideas that we will draw on for the future of organized labor in the Commonwealth.

The first annual Futures Convention was held February 8-9th, 2008 in Natick, and featured speeches from several prominent Massachusetts labor leaders and elected officials, a panel discussion of young leaders within various unions throughout the Commonwealth, and group breakout sessions in which delegates were able to discuss difficulties and accomplishments and compare strategies. At the end of the Convention, the delegates elected Jeremy McKeen, a member of AFT Local 1037, the Lynn Teachers Union, to act as their liaison to the Executive Council of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO for a one year period.

The Futures Program sponsors both programmatic and social events so that delegates may hear from political and labor leaders, learn more about organizing tactics and labor laws, and also be able to socialize and network with other young people interested in becoming leaders. Young individuals in the Massachusetts Labor Movement are encouraged to become involved in this groundbreaking program if they are not already. Speak to your local union's leadership to become a delegate to upcoming Futures events.

________________________________________________________

A Message from Futures Representative, Jeremy McKeen

Brothers and Sisters,

It is my great honor and proud duty to serve all of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO affiliates as Futures Representative and Vice President to the Executive Council. My role is to help organize and activate the future of the Labor Movement. As a seventh-year teacher and fourth-year Building Representative for Lynn Teachers Union Local 1037, I have seen first hand the power of union solidarity and action. I have also seen the dismay of workers who think they are too young to build on the greatness of our shared past. It is my personal goal to inspire and encourage all workers in our great Commonwealth to improve their workplaces and create a stronger future for their families and neighborhoods. With the guidance of President Haynes, the Executive Council, and the Futures Advisory Council, we can lift up and educate a new generation of labor leaders here in Massachusetts.

February's first annual Futures Convention in Natick saw eighty-plus young labor leaders come together for an amazing weekend of networking, learning, and planning. At the end of the convention I was elected to represent the Futures Program to the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Executive Council. Our goal for the next year is to build an active community for workers, stewards, and representatives under approximately thirty-five years old. We will do this through monthly social, educational, political, and service-based events, and will communicate with weekly emails, blast faxes, and meet-ups. 

As we grow, learn, and serve together, we will secure the future of the Labor Movement here in Massachusetts. I ask for your involvement and support at our programmatic and social events, and also for your ideas and input as to how we can better serve and reach our brothers and sisters in locals across Massachusetts. Please share our updates and invites with brothers and sisters from your local, and encourage them to consider any steward, representative, or delegate roles that may be available.

Please contact me at unionfuturesma@gmail.com to tell us what kind of progress you would like to see the Futures movement achieve. Know that as a young labor leader you are of extreme importance to your worksite, local, and to the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. Your efforts within your union are integral to our generation and the next.

Sincerely,

Jeremy McKeen

AFT MA Local 1037 Lynn Teachers Union