The Young Leaders Council (YLC) is APALA's home for developing and growing young workers and labor leaders (under 35). We work together to provide a vibrant and supportive community where we can grow and develop as leaders in APALA, in our unions, and in our communities. No previous experience with APALA or with labor unions is necessary. Reach out to us by email!
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History
At the 2011 APALA National Convention, the Young Leaders Caucus called for the creation of a body within APALA that would focus on engaging the next generation of young Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizers and leaders. The APALA Young Leaders Council (YLC) was formed in April 2012 when the first group of YLC appointees convened in Washington, D.C. At the end of that year, appointees met again in Oakland, CA to begin creating a young worker curriculum on unions and immigrant labor. Workshops based on that curriculum were presented to college Asian American studies classes in areas where YLC members resided. Prior to the 2013 APALA National Convention, the YLC organized a Young Leaders Summit that brought together students and young union activists to talk about contemporary labor, economic, and racial justice issues impacting young workers. Summit attendees also helped to organize and prepare for the 2013 convention's action: a march for comprehensive immigration reform. The YLC hosted young worker-focused summits and organizing trainings at the 2015 and 2017 APALA National Conventions and supported one another's work in their unions, community organizations, and local APALA chapters. At the 2019 Convention, YLC leaders assisted in drafting the "Resolution for APALA to Diversify and Strengthen AAPI Leadership,” which recognized that APALA's growth depends on "the continuous identification, development, support, mentorship education and empowerment of new, young, and diverse leadership.” The YLC continues to run foundational trainings on unions and the labor movement for new and emerging leaders. Our movement cannot thrive without investing in the next generation. We invite you to reach out and join us! |
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