The OPSEU/SEFPO Provincial Young Workers Committee (PYC) invites you to submit your application to attend the 2023 Young Workers Conference! It will take place from October 13-15, 2023, at the Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto and virtually through Zoom. In addition to welcoming previous conference participants, we would like to extend a special invitation to those who have not attended in the past. We welcome all members who identify as young workers, 35 and under. Do not miss this opportunity to network, learn, share experiences and have some fun!“Solidarity is a Verb! Collaborating to Build Worker Power and Political Action” will provide the tools to remove barriers for young workers in their workplaces, union and communities. This conference will focus on action planning, the development of intergenerational solidarity and providing a space for young voices to be heard. Guest speakers will inspire but will also challenge young workers to examine their own strengths and weaknesses. Workshops and related activities will focus on ways to mobilize, harness social media, improve collective agreements and motivate political action.Event participants will be selected by the PYC with assistance from OPSEU/SEFPO’s Member Equity Unit. The selection process will try to achieve a diverse group of attendees, representative of the young workers within our membership. All applicants will be contacted by late July and will be advised of the status of their application. Note: those not selected for in-person attendance may have the opportunity to attend virtually through Zoom.Please submit your application no later than end of day on
July 16, 2023 by completing the
online application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For any additional requirements, please contact the Member Equity Unit directly at
[email protected]Share the conference poster!
Young Workers Conference PosterAbout the 16th Annual Young Workers Conference: “Solidarity is a Verb! Collaborating to Build Worker Power and Political Action.”
In recognition of the PYC’s motto, this event will Educate, Motivate, Mobilize young workers into action whether it is in their local communities, workplaces or in the labour movement.The event is open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members in good standing, regardless of their union experience, who identify as 35 or younger workers. Members of equity-seeking groups are especially encouraged to apply.Child Care is provided and available throughout the conference: Friday, October 13 from 3pm to 9pm, Saturday, October 14 from 8:30am to 5:00pm & 8:00pm to 11:00pm, and Sunday, October 15 from 8:30am to 12:30pm. You may submit your child care request upon completion of the selection process.
Tentative Conference Agenda
Friday October 13, 2023
5:00 to 7:00 PM Registration (dinner on your own)5:00 PM Smudging Ceremony5:30 to 6:30 PM New Delegate Orientation7:00 to 7:20 PM Welcome, Conference Logistics, Meet the PYC7:20 to 7:40 PM Icebreaker/Networking Activity (Rock/Paper/Scissors)7:40 to 8:00 PM OPSEU/SEFPO President, JP Hornick and OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer, Laurie Nancekivell Conference Opening Remarks and Welcome8:00 to 8:55 PM Solidarity is a Verb! “Ask Me Anything” Panel Discussion8:55 to 9:00 PM Wrap-up and Adjournment
Saturday October 14, 2023
8:00 to 9:00 AM Breakfast (not provided), Registration Re-opens
9:00 to 9:10 AM Morning Announcements,
9:10 to 10:45 AM Presentation – Guest Speaker10:45 to 11:00 AM Break11:00 to 12:30 PM Workshops A or B12:30 to 2:00 PM Lunch (not provided)2:00 to 3:30 PM Workshops C or D3:30 to 3:45 PM Break3:45 to 4:30 PM Wrap-up Activity4:30 PM Wrap-up and adjourn, Dinner (not provided)8:00PM to 11:00PM Social Event at The Ballroom Bowl 145 John St. Toronto (Child Care Provided)
Sunday October 15, 2023
8:00 to 9:00 AM Breakfast (not provided)9:00 to 9:20 AM Morning Announcements / OPSEU/SEFPO Young Worker of the Year Award Information9:20 to 10:30 AM Presentation – Guest Speaker10:30 to 10:45 AM Break10:45 to 12:00 PM Solidarity Project, Conference Wrap-Up, Evaluation, and Traveling Song12:00 PM Adjournment
