YIP Atlantic launches Canada's best youth program for 2014

The proud graduates of the Atlantic Region YIP 2014. Back row, l-r: Danielle Hussey, Local 1252: Deidre Tracey,Local 1252; JP (Jean Paul) Gallant, Local 864; Kevin Harvey, Local 1288P. Front row, l-r: Sue Douthwright, Local 1288P; Damon Roberts, Local 864; Scott Loranger, Local 1252; Craig Lindsay, Local 864.

May 27, 2014 – From across Atlantic Canada, eight young UFCW Canada activists recently brought their energy and enthusiasm to this year's first session of the Youth Internship Program (YIP). Now in its fourteenth year, YIP is UFCW Canada's renowned program for developing and empowering young member activists in their union and communities.

The activists from Local Unions 864, 1252, and 1288P gathered in Moncton for a week of training to build their youth leadership skills, and to explore the vital role their union and the labour movement play in bringing fairness and equality to working people. The young members shared their insights and enthusiasm throughout a series of workshops on community-based organizing, media literacy, the history of the labour movement, the impact of globalization, and the power of collective action to fight for fairness and fight back against the anti-worker agenda.

“The Youth Internship Program was really an eye opening experience that was full of good energy about the positive impact of unions for union members and for the community," said one of the participants. "Everyone did their part in participating when it came to brainstorming and gathering ideas to grow our union through unified action," said another YIP Atlantic participant.

"The tremendous success of YIP is built on the energy, commitment, and hard work of the UFCW Canada YIP activists," says UFCW Canada national President Paul Meinema. "Our thanks to them, and to UFCW Canada Local Unions for empowering and engaging young activists through the YIP initiative."