YOUNG LEADERS

Young leaders

A Course for young leaders held for the third time

The Young Leaders course is designed for young individuals within the labor movement, with a focus on educating participants about the movement, strengthening their networks, and empowering them as leaders in both their personal and professional lives.

The course is tailored for young members of the labor movement, union representatives, union staff, and other young individuals serving on committees or boards, whether of Icelandic or foreign origin.

Although young people (ages 18–35) make up a significant portion of the labor market, their participation in unions and involvement in leadership roles, decision-making, and union boards or assemblies is limited. Young workers face numerous challenges in the labor market, making it essential that their voices are heard and represented.

The course consists of three modules aimed at equipping young people in the labor movement with the tools to amplify their voices—at their workplace, within the movement, and in society at large. Participants will gain a broad understanding of the labor movement while developing skills in public speaking, presentation, and personal confidence. Additionally, the course fosters stronger connections and collaboration among young workers across professions and regions.

Instructors will all be experts specializing in various fields, both from within and outside the labor movement.

Course fee includes:

• Course materials
• Lunch and afternoon refreshments (Module 1)
• Dinner in Reykjavík (Module 1), one evening
• Flights (to and from Brussels) and accommodation with breakfast (Thon Hotel) in Brussels
• Transportation to and from the airport in Brussels
• Guided city tour in Brussels
• Dinner in Brussels (Module 3), one evening

Registration and Details:
Apply with your union. Each union nominates its participant(s).

Deadline for registration: January 28, 2025.

Cost: The cost of participation (150,000 ISK) will be covered by your union and ASÍ.

March 19–21

First Module

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Guðrúnartún 1, 1st floor

At the start of the course, the primary focus will be on fostering group cohesion and introducing participants to the work and core issues of the labor movement. Additionally, the concept of leadership within the movement will be explored: what it means to be a leader, who a leader is, and the role they play.

On the second day, the focus will shift to the skills a leader needs to achieve their goals:
communication skills, reasoning, storytelling, presentation, and media presence. Special emphasis will be placed on how young people can amplify their voices and promote positive change.

The third day will focus on future vision, providing participants with an opportunity to strengthen solidarity and expand their networks. Discussions will include how workers can bring their issues to the forefront within unions and how to elevate them to the agenda of the Icelandic Confederation of Labor (ASÍ).

The course activities will be designed in an engaging format, giving participants the opportunity to present and advocate for their causes.

April 8 and May 13

Second Module: Online meetings

2 x 2-hour sessions

In the second module, the focus will be on project management, including key considerations for planning and executing tasks. Participants will be divided into groups and assigned specific projects to work on.

May 21–24

Third Module: Brussels

 A trip to Brussels

The third module will take place in Brussels, where participants will visit international and European institutions connected to the labor movement. While the exact schedule is yet to be finalized.

Plans include visits to ETUC (European Trade Union Confederation), ETUI (ETUC’s
educational center), and EFTA, along with one or two additional visits.

For further information, please contact:
Aleksandra Leonardsdóttir, aleksandra@asi.is
Bergþóra Guðjónsdóttir, bergthora@asi.is