WHEREAS:

            AFSCME is a member-driven organization with over 1.6 million members. Our strength comes from empowering member leaders and activists; and

WHEREAS:

            New and young activists need a wide range of knowledge to take on the challenges that face our union in 2012 and beyond; and

WHEREAS:

            The Next Wave is a priority for AFSCME because of the role it has played in developing new and young activists and leaders in the union movement; and

WHEREAS:

            Many AFSCME councils and local unions have created innovative and powerful Next Wave programs; and

WHEREAS:

            A national Next Wave Advisory Committee was announced at the Next Wave Conference in July 2011 and was launched in December 2011.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

            That the delegates to this 40th International Convention commend the AFSCME Next Wave and the Next Wave Advisory Committee on its work thus far; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That Next Wave continue to be a national priority for AFSCME going forward; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That all affiliates are encouraged to develop Next Wave programs, if they have not already done so; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That we encourage new and young leaders to attend and observe International Executive Board meetings; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That locals and councils with sufficient resources develop scholarship programs to send Next Wave members and other new leaders or activists to observe governance activities at all levels of the union; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

            That the Next Wave continue to create pathways for new and young activists to develop skills and experience to become the next generation of AFSCME leadership.