Thousands have watched our vivid IBEW videos on YouTube and Vimeo. Here's an easy way to view them on your phone while you are on the go. Just scan the QR code, press play and enjoy the latest IBEW action from across the U.S. and Canada.

(If you don't have a QR code scanner, they are available to download for free from the App Store and Android Market).

Next Gen. of IBEW Organizing

It's a problem every union faces. How do you motivate and mobilize the younger generation of union members to grow the labor movement? Vacaville, Calif., Local 1245 is doing a bang-up job of it. Watch seasoned veterans and newly-minted organizers talk about their fresh strategies and string of victories since the Great Recession battered working families.

IBEW Lights Up 2014 NAB Show

Las Vegas Local 357 members work behind the scenes to set up for the 2014 National Association of Broadcasters Show. It's the world's largest expo of advanced media and entertainment technologies, and it's a chance for talented members to show companies what the IBEW's Code of Excellence is all about. "The exhibitors love to know that they are getting the value in the dollar that they spend," said general foreman Kenny Kahl.

'Keeping the Lights on for You'

Between tornados, floods and thunderstorms, Mother Nature can do her worst. When events strike, IBEW linemen know that the only thing that matters is keeping electricity flowing to hard-hit communities. Check out stirring shots of members powering up downed lines after a storm in our latest national commercial, "Keeping the Lights on for You." The 30-second spot is airing on CNN, ESPN, MSNBC and CBS.

IBEW Builds New 49ers Stadium

When the San Francisco 49ers needed a team to build their new stadium, they drafted the IBEW. Now, over 300 members of San Jose, Calif., Local 332 Local are constructing the new $1.3 billion facility. Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara opens in mid-2014 with a number of unique features: stadium-wide WiFi; two colossal HD scoreboards; and over 50,000 square feet of solar panels. The stadium will also host Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

A popular button often seen at labor rallies and conferences reads, "A woman's place is in her union."

And as young activists go, Cody Beltrami is one member living out that sentiment.

The Anchorage, Alaska, Local 1547 member joined with fellow women trade unionists March 27-29 in Chicago for a conference marking the 40th anniversary of the Coalition of Labor Union Women.

Beltrami was among 10 winners of the Berger-Marks Foundation scholarships, which provide monetary assistance to union activists seeking to organize more women into the movement. It is named for Edna Berger — the first female lead organizer for the Newspaper Guild-CWA — and her songwriter and activist husband Gerald Marks.

Beltrami speaks highly of the leadership training that CLUW offers budding change-makers in the labor community.

"CLUW does a wonderful job of arming the attendees with the knowledge and tools to make a positive change in their unions, or at least get the ball rolling to get others involved in such a movement," she said. "They gave us a way to learn and understand important information by providing classes on how to incorporate social media in organizing, community partnership and engagement, common-sense economics and more. Having these skills and knowledge are crucial if you want to help make a positive change."

An IBEW member since she was 18, she started her career by working for a signatory contractor before becoming a shop steward. She now serves on the Local 1547 staff.

The daughter of Alaska AFL-CIO President Vince Beltrami, a member of Local 1547, Cody has worked to chart her own path in the labor movement with an eye toward building on the gains of her forebears.

"As a young leader I am focusing on gaining support within the community and increasing participation among younger union members," she said. "I also have hopes of working alongside the older generations and using their experiences to help us. We have a lot to learn and a lot to give. I am very honored and excited for the path I am on and for the opportunities I have been given. This is only the beginning."

IBEW Director of Civic and Community Engagement Carolyn Williams said that the training and support offered by groups like CLUW are critical to help advance the needs of working families, especially at a time when younger workers are facing starker economic realities than in generations past.

"CLUW is a great resource to help inspire and educate women moving into leadership roles," she said. "It has a lot to offer the younger generation."

To learn more about the Coalition of Labor Union Women, visit www.cluw.org.

Hundreds of IBEW sisters are expected in San Antonio Sept. 17-20 for the Seventh IBEW International Women's Conference.

Items on the agenda include workshops on getting women involved in the 2014 election, empowering women to become leaders in the IBEW and organizing skills building.

Pre-conference events include a session on grassroots lobbying and a labor film festival. There will also be branch and International Vice-Presidential district meetings as well.

"2014 is shaping up to be a very important year in the fight for workers' and women's rights," said Civic and Community Engagement Director Carolyn Williams. "The conference is great opportunity to show how women members can become more involved — at our workplace, union hall and community."

All locals from across the IBEW in the United States and Canada are encouraged to participate.

Local unions may register delegates for the conference online through "Local Connections" at https://secure.ibew.org. Registration is $75. For questions or additional information, call the Civic and Community Engagement Department at (202) 728-6204 or CivCommEngage@IBEW.org.