USW D3 Next Gen Logo

District 3 NextGen

Our District’s Next Generation program introduces new and young workers to the diverse world of activism, both internally and externally to their local. NextGen is designed to empower our members by providing space for collaboration, visibility and education. 

NextGen is one of the seven mandated committees.

At the 2025 USW Constitutional Convention, delegates voted to amend our union’s constitution to ensure each local union maintains a NextGen committee to educate and develop the union’s future leaders and activists.

What are the goals of NextGen

1. Building our bench of leaders and activists

We educate new and young members about the labour movement and our local union. We inform them of the basic structure of our union, local and district, and involve members in every aspect of our union, from collective bargaining to handling grievances and beyond.

2. Providing training and mentorship

We provide members with the knowledge and skills they need to become more active in our union and we rely on the mentorship of seasoned union members and retirees. Getting them involved as a mentor can aid in the success of the NextGen Committee.

3. Transforming our communities through activism and service

NextGen members embrace the broader movement for union rights and social justice by strengthening our bonds with community groups and allies and engaging in collective action to further our values. We also give back to our communities through fundraisers, acts of service and charity.

Follow us

Follow the USW District 3 NextGen Committee on Instagram at uswnextgen.

We also have a Next Gen District 3 Network WhatsApp group for those wishing to engage across District 3. Fill in the form below or contact Deepak to be added.

District 3 NextGen contact:

Deepak Kullar

Email: dkullar@usw.ca

Share your ideas! Let us know what works or what doesn’t! Send your feedback or ideas to dkullar@usw.ca. We want to hear from you

 

Ready to connect?

If you are a young or new worker and want to get involved with our District 3 Next Generation program, fill in the form below:

Starting a NextGen Committee

The future of our union depends on our ability to identify the next generation of union activists who will help fill the gap when seasoned activists move on.

NextGen members contribute unique insights and perspectives to bolster the USW’s existing programs. They are critical in building a stronger labor movement for future generations.

Whether you are brand-new to the union or you’ve been around for a few years, it is never too late to get involved.

USW District 3 has developed a helpful Playbook to provide locals with some information and tools to enable them to set up their own NextGen committee. This Playbook is to help NextGen’ers succeed by sharing ideas and tools to create and operate a committee. It is also to raise awareness and generate excitement about the NextGen program.

Tips to get started
  • Talk to other new and young union members to see if they are interested in participating. (It’s okay to start small. Remember, you only need two people to form a committee!)
  • Keep track of union members who want to get involved and include them in the planning process.
  • Schedule your first meeting. Try to choose times convenient for the majority of members in your local. Use the meeting to explain the NextGen program and ask for feedback and input. Use a sign-in sheet to gather attendees’ names and contact information.
  • Make your presence known. Ask your local to include NextGen events in local communications. Have NextGen added as an agenda item during union meetings.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask more seasoned members for their support. Meet with members involved in other committees, such as Civil and Human Rights or Women of Steel. Ask them for advice and if they’d be willing to mentor your NextGen committee.
  • Identify your goals. Gather input from fellow members to identify small and large goals for your committee to work towards. Talk to your executive board about your ideas and ask for feedback.
  • Plan your first committee action. Engage local union members with an activity, training, fundraiser or community event to introduce NextGen and build momentum.
DOWNLOAD USW D3 NEXTGEN PLAYBOOK

How can I get plugged in with NextGen? 

If your local already has a NextGen committee, tell them you’d like to get involved. If you aren’t sure whether your local has a committee, check with your local leadership. If you don’t have one, ask to start one!

We also have a Next Gen District 3 Network WhatsApp group for those wishing to engage across District 3. Contact Deepak to be added.

Upcoming NextGen meetings and events

No upcoming events found.

NextGen News

NextGen Resources