Labor & Employment Law

AFSCME Teaches Students Organizing Skills

By James Parks

Eight college students and recent graduates are the latest participants in AFSCME?s Alternative Union Break.

Eight college students and recent graduates traveled to Delaware last month for training to become union organizers. They participated in AFSCME’s Alternative Union Break, a weeklong, intensive course conducted by AFSCME organizers and other labor unionists. The course helps participants learn about the union movement, the importance of standing in solidarity with others and the basics of organizing.

The eight Union Break students also visited the workplaces and homes of Delaware state employees who are seeking respect, fair pay and a voice on the job. Two Alternative Break students, Roxanne Winston and Charles Holm, accepted jobs with AFSCME as organizers-in-training when the class ended.

In a post on AFSCME’s website, Winston says meeting workers face to face was eye-opening.

It pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you. You’re a complete stranger to them, but they’re sharing intimate details of their lives with you. It motivated me to want to do this work.

Alternative Union Break is open to college seniors and recent graduates who are considering a career in union organizing. For more information, and to apply for upcoming sessions, click here.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on February 17, 2010 (boomark / email).