What is a Young Members Group?

UNISON wants young members to play a full part in union activities. At the same time we know for many young people it can be difficult getting time off work for union activity, being taken seriously, or speaking out with confidence in a room full of older people who can give the impression they know it all.

That's why we have created a young members organisation in UNISON which is designed to:

• encourage recruitment and participation by young members;
• provide a voice for young members;
• give young members the chance to develop their skills and knowledge;
• support young members in becoming active in the wider union.

There are all sorts of ways you can be more involved at all levels of the union.

Why is it important for Young Members to have a voice in UNISON?

Because you want to make a difference! That means members just like yourself playing their part. But that doesn't mean becoming an obsessive trade unionist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We need ordinary members who want to get things done, who are ready to work with other members on common issues, and who want to make a positive change in people's everyday lives.

Because youve got something to say! We've all got opinions and ideas on what happens at work and in our lives outside work, but we don't often get the chance to share them and really feel we make a difference. Getting involved means you get to speak out on behalf of members just like you on issues such as:

• your workplace, working conditions, and pay;
• issues in the wider world;
• how the union works.

Because you want to develop your skills and knowledge! Being involved in UNISON is like any other life experience - an opportunity to learn and to grow. And the skills you learn, and the knowledge you pick up are transferable to your work or private life. This can help with both personal development and career development. Similarly there may be skills and/or knowledge you already have that you want to practise. Very often you can find an outlet for these through involvement in UNISON.

Such skills might include:

• Communication - verbal and written
• Interpersonal - empathising, listening, advising, persuading, leading
• Problem-solving - analysing, thinking creatively
• IT - record-keeping, creating publicity, accounts

UNISON can help you acquire these skills through training, teamwork, and support.

Shelley Nardini – Chair (West Berkshire District)

Chris Leary – Vice Chair (Surrey County)

Kirsty Culross (Gosport Borough)

Ebony George (Slough Borough)

Paul Glendinning (Gosport Borough)

Marie Mason (Surrey Police)

Claire McDowall (Isle of Wight)

Kerry Thew (Portsmouth City)

UNISON is made up of twelve regions, each of which has a member of staff who has responsibility for developing young member recruitment and organisation.

For the South East Region Mick Moriarty is our Regional Young Members contact,

Mick is happy to field any questions you may have in regards to being a Young Member and UNISON