The Local 1245 delegation, from left: Alvin Dayoan, International Organizer Rick Thompson, Candice Brace, Ashley Nelson and Charlotte Stevens.
Local 1245 Organizing Stewards Alvin Dayoan, Candice Brace, Ashley Nelson and Charlotte Stevens joined more than 1,500 IBEW members from all across the U.S. and Canada at the 2016 IBEW Membership Development Conference in Las Vegas in November.
“It was a powerful experience to be a part of, and made me realize that we really are part of something bigger than ourselves, and we’re all working towards the same goal,” said Organizing Steward Candice Brace.”I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to attend. I learned so much that I will be able to use in the future as an organizer.”
The conference featured several notable speakers, including IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson, who underscored the importance of organizing as the lifeblood of the union movement. They also heard from a variety of thought leaders who shared words of inspiration and insights on several organizing-related topics.
“The one that stuck out to me the most was Jon Gordon, the author of the book The Energy Bus,” said Brace. “He spoke about how positive energy is the single most powerful tool you can use to transform your life and those around you.”
The members also participated in several practical, skills-building workshops, including one that focused on step-by-step planning for real-life organizing scenarios. The Local 1245 contingent enjoyed meeting and learning from other IBEW activists, and walked away feeling more equipped to engage in successful organizing campaigns in the future.
“The conference showed me the importance of organizing and how heavily the life of the union depends on it, and it provided me with the tools needed to become a better Organizing Steward,” said Ashley Nelson. “I gained valuable knowledge … to prepare me for the journey to grow our great union.”