Youth Program a Major Success

Solidarity WORKS! is a three-week, paid hands-on training program designed to develop social justice activism skills. For the first time in 2005, a dozen young Manitoban's involved in unions and community-based groups took part in this MFL sponsored, CLC funded, youth internship program.

Solidarity WORKS! had its start in 1999 as a pilot project of the Canadian Labour Congress and the Ontario Federation of Labour. It came about because the labour movement recognized a need for a program which would bring together young people who are union members or active in social justice causes, and give them hands-on education about the labour movement and work within our community partners.

The first week of the program consisted of intensive on-site education workshops on labour history, union organizing, labour standards, occupational health and safety, anti-oppression leadership, corporate globalization, and the contemporary struggles and visions for the future of the Canadian Labour movement. The second section of the program consisted of a two-week hands-on mentored placement with a union or community-based organization.

Manitoba's first year of involvement in the program was a wonderful success. What the young workers and activists who took part in this program learned, how they learned, and their continued work in community organizations and their unions have made this an exciting project that deserves support.

A detailed look at the program is available in a PDF Report. (File size: 1 mb)