Industry and IBEW News

Tacoma Local 76's Sisters of 76 Women's Committee, launched by journeyman Lisa Forsberg, strengthens organizing and member support through conduit workshops, clothing banks, try-a-trade events for high school students, and Habitat for Humanity projects, demonstrating how affinity groups help diversify union membership and improve outreach to underserved communities.
IBEW locals across North America demonstrate union values through holiday charity work, including Ann Arbor Local 252's 25-year toy drive for children's hospital patients, food drives at Asbury Park Local 400 and Cheyenne Local 415, and Savannah Local 508's annual gift-wrapping party that provides presents and grocery cards to families in need.
International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble celebrates IBEW members' holiday generosity through food drives, toy collections, and community service, noting that charitable giving is especially critical this year as economic challenges including job cuts, government shutdown effects, and rising costs impact more American families.
Feature story from the RENEW/NextGen conference in Portland highlights how these programs for members 35 and under are crucial for union growth, with 215 committees now active across North America focusing on organizing, leadership development, and building stronger local unions through community engagement and political activism.
International President Kenneth W. Cooper emphasizes that RENEW and NextGen members are leading the IBEW now, not just preparing for future leadership, as the union added 24,000 members in the past year and needs young workers to help meet growing demand for skilled electricians across all sectors.