WHEREAS:

The study of labor history is fundamental in understanding major changes in society in the last 200 years. Knowing the core principles and values of the labor movement, its allies and the needs of working families helps to gain understanding of big social transformations in the USA; and

WHEREAS:

The subject matter of labor studies is often non-existent or glossed over in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Most American history textbooks don’t fully cover the topic of unions and workers and their contribution to society; and

WHEREAS:

It is important to share and highlight the labor contributions of women, people of color, indigenous communities, immigrants, LGBTQ and other historically under-represented people to future generations; and

WHEREAS:

During this period, unions are confronting major challenges originating with support and funding of big corporations that control advertising, media and communications; and

WHEREAS:

It is more urgent than ever to reach out to working families and younger generations to share with them the core principles of organized labor and the importance of unions; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME has partnered with Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation to develop curriculum around classic movies like Norma Rae and At the River I Stand to teach middle school and high school students about democracy, and particularly labor and civil rights; and

WHEREAS:

We recognize the important efforts of the California Federation of Teachers in developing a video labor series, and efforts developed by other labor unions to reach out to and incorporate young students in labor activities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

AFSCME will continue to develop labor and civil rights curriculum in partnership with the Martin Scorsese Film Foundation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will coordinate efforts with allies and other unions to share, develop, promote and distribute these curricula and materials; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED

That AFSCME and its affiliates will lobby at the federal, state and local levels, at departments of education, public library systems and other institutions to make these curricula and materials available to school systems and communities.

SUBMITTED BY:

Juan Fernandez, President and Delegate
Juliet White, Delegate
Sheera S. Glass, Delegate
Thomas Orawiec, Delegate
James Whooley, Delegate
Local 154, District Council 37
New York