It's become a union tradition and a rite of passage for emerging young leaders in Maryland: The Purple Gold Night Out in Annapolis. Each year on the evening before the region's annual lobby day, young workers come together to discuss politics, union activism and how they can shape the future for themselves and their generation."We had a blast," said Alyssha Jacobs, a young leader and transportation worker at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. It wasn't just good times, though, there were serious discussions and commitments for action too, Jacobs adds, explaining, "I continue to learn and grow with my union, and [Purple Gold Night Out] was no exception."On March 17, nearly two dozen Purple Gold members met with young elected leaders including Delegate Alonzo Washington (D - 22) of Prince George's County, and Baltimore City Councilmember Brandon Scott. Members discussed how to build power as a union, shared their challenges and aspirations, and developed a program for the next year to spread the word and grow their numbers.For more information and to get involved in Purple Gold in Maryland and DC, contact 1199SEIU political organizer Eze Jackson at 443.449.2087 .- See more at: http://www.1199seiu.org/maryland_dc_purple_gold_members_build_unity_big_plans_on_night_out#sthash.315qFUfP.dpuf