Shane Bykonen Journeyman Lineman turned out August 2016.
Shane and Devin Healy were IBEW 44’s representatives that went to the RENEW conference in Pittsburg, PA in September 21st – 23rd, “The mission of the Reach out and Engage Next-gen Electrical Workers (RENEW) initiative is to inspire the next generation of IBEW workers to become active in their local union by focusing on issues important to younger workers, providing education about the IBEW and the labor movement, and fostering relationships with members and local union leadership.”
Shane is a part time instructor at Mountain States and works for Rocky Mountain Contractors.
Part of the hurdles to overcome in setting up a RENEW charter is the expanse of IBEW 44’s jurisdiction, and the ruralness of Montana.
One of the goals Shane would like to see is to get the younger generation involved, to promote brotherhood and unionism.
The second goal reach out to Montana’s youth and educate them about apprenticeships.
RENEW is for everyone 35 and younger, although anyone over 36 can participate in RENEW activities, RENEW is for the next generation of IBEW leaders.
RENEW can be used as a tool to educate members as well as an outreach of the local itself.
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