- Conference
- 2013 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 18 September 2012
- Decision
- Carried
Conference believes that national Black members conference provides an excellent opportunity for young Black members to find out more about key issues for Black members; to acquire skills in public speaking and organising around debates; to see Black trade union role models in action; and to be inspired to grow as activists and leaders.
Conference notes the decision to extend the scheme of branch representation to require branches wishing to send 4 delegates, to include a young member in their delegation.
Conference recognises this may present some challenges initially, but is concerned that branches wishing to send 4 members should actively seek to find a young member to fill the 4th delegate position.
Conference also notes that this requirement has been in force for some years now for National Delegate Conference, which saw a significant increase in young member delegates from branches when it was introduced, and that number has been sustained.
Conference believes that while this measure should be helpful in increasing the number of young Black delegates to Black Members Conference, it is not only the responsibility of those branches sending 4 delegates to seek out and encourage young members to attend as delegates, but of all branches sending delegates.
Conference calls on the National Black Members Committee to:
1)Ask all branch Black Members Groups to identify young Black members in their branch and actively encourage representation on their delegation to Black members conference;
2)Seek to liaise with the National Young Members Forum about publicising the opportunities to attend the next Black Members Conference, and request the National Young Members Forum to use their communications networks to do the same;
3)Consider developing a mentoring programme for young Black members.