A letter from IBEW Local 353 Member, Luna Miranda to the IBEW Local 353 Executive Board (reproduced with permission).
Luna, filled with gratitude, details her experience at the 2024 IBEW Women’s Conference in New Orleans. Her words illuminate the lasting impact of these important gatherings for the attendees, local unions, and IBEW community at large.
In Luna’s words…
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the membership, and everyone involved in the decision to send representatives to the IBEW National Women’s and North America’s Building Trades Unions conferences in New Orleans. Your support, regardless of individual voting preferences, has made a significant impact, and I truly appreciate the support for this initiative.
For women in trades who often feel isolated on job sites, attending a conference with thousands of peers is profoundly empowering, whether they are apprentices or seasoned journeywomen. These events foster a crucial sense of belonging and support, allowing attendees to build lasting networks that sustain them throughout the year. The friendships formed can transform strangers into a reliable support system, making the connections established over just a few days truly impactful.
Words can hardly convey the profound impact this experience had on me. The workshops were not only educational but transformative, equipping me with the tools to engage more effectively with our members and future members. They inspired me to embrace a more proactive role within our union, moving beyond mere participation.
The motivation I felt during the conventions was overwhelming. It was inspiring to see so many individuals representing their unions and locals, and to witness the lasting connections formed among attendees over the years. It was incredible to see how the connections forged at past conferences have endured, creating a lasting sense of community. This highlights the strength of our collective efforts and is a sense of community I feel compelled to nurture within our local.
While I’ve always understood the concepts of solidarity and unity, this experience deepened my understanding and allowed me to truly feel their power. I recognize the varying degrees of engagement among our members; there’s a notable difference between going through the motions of union life and actively participating in it. I’ve observed members who only attend when convenient and feel disconnected, while others attend meetings yet remain passive. Then there are those who engage, voice their opinions, and strive to make a difference. I feel a personal responsibility to encourage a greater sense of solidarity and involvement among our members, similar to what I experienced at the conferences.
I wish everyone in our local could experience the energy and camaraderie I felt, but I understand that’s not feasible given our size. Yet, I feel it is now my responsibility to carry that spirit of solidarity back to our local. The exhilaration of marching with over 5,200 tradeswomen was unmatched. The energy was electrifying, and chants that never stopped created a vibrant atmosphere that stood in stark contrast to other events like our Labour Day and St. Patrick’s Day parades. Where we sometimes walked in silence, the IBEW contingent never stopped chanting and supporting one another. It was a testament to the unity we can foster. This shared sense of solidarity and purpose is something I believe we should strive to cultivate in our local, and I now feel responsible to making it happen.
In closing, I want to reiterate my deep appreciation for the opportunity to attend these conferences and the invaluable experiences they provided. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned and continuing to contribute to our community. I am committed to sharing that spirit of solidarity and empowerment within our local. Thank you for making this possible and for your ongoing support. I hope we can continue to create initiatives that inspire and empower our members.
Who brings the power, We bring the power!
Best regards,
Luna Miranda
IBEW 353, 2nd term apprentice
