North East Regional Youth Committee Reports

October 2009

Dragon Boat Presentation Night took place and we were awarded £50.00 towards CWUHA as part of the Tail-Enders Award. We have registered interest for next year and have just over £2K of our £3K target. Even if we don't secure a place, we agreed we need to maintain youth involvement with fundraising.

Jean Sharrocks, Regional Equality Officer, will be taking a motion to the regional meeting to consider approaching HA trustees for organising a youth delegation to one of the orphanages that we deliver to in Eastern Europe.

The regional youth meeting took place in the Regional Office and was well attended. Following the meeting a Recruitment Workshop took place, led by Kevin Leetion, Regional Organiser. Need to look to joining meetings with accredited courses in future perhaps?

Course in Leeds is excellent opportunity for newer delegates to get a taster at what CWU courses and being active is all about. We need to think about running more courses regionally that will appeal to our younger members and encourage them to get more active within the union.

At the regional youth meeting Jonathan Bellshaw discussed his concerns at the seemingly increasing popularity of the Conservatives as the alternative to Labour or the BNP, and suggested it is our responsibility to educate our young members to use their vote wisely. Agreed that we should raise the profile of youth involvement within the political arena. Mark Johnson suggested working with John Woodhouse and the regional political forum. Paul Clays suggested we send a young delegate to Parliament when lobbying there.

Youth Conference 2010 is approaching and branches need to consider potential motions from the region to agree at next meeting in time for Full Regional AGM. We need to ensure the tradition of good attendance continues and remember that delegation is now branch based!

National youth website has been launched, we will use to our full potential to advertise our meetings/events from the region. If anyone would like to make a contribution, please contact Simon Sapper's office or contact Jo Lawton direct.

TUC Y&H on hold due to Laura's maternity leave, NTUC network of contacts being established, but no meeting set as yet.

Agreed date is so far is Wednesday 20^th January, AGM. However, looking at organising AGM at same location as women's AGM, in Leeds with social to follow. Confirmation will be sent as soon as details are put into place.

Anyone looking to attend should mention this to their branch secretary or branch committee. Feel free to contact Jo Lawton, Regional Youth Secretary, directly at joanne.lawton@bt.com or on 07766 731 964.