It Takes a Village Labor School

What is "It Takes a Village Labor School" ?

Knowledge, empowerment, and community are important for the next generation to learn and understand.

Not everyone is meant for college, but even if you are it’s important to understand how workers come together to protect their rights, improve their working conditions, and make sure their voices are heard. We hope our program will play a big role in this, and through this program, we hope to help students and future workers like you, become leaders, advocates, and well-informed members of society. You will learn topics like labor history, laws about jobs and workplaces, public speaking, organizing campaigns, social justice, and negotiation skills. We hope to help you build confidence, leadership, and community—everything you’ll need to make a difference, no matter what career you choose.

Why is Learning Labor History and about Trade Unions Important for High School Juniors & Seniors?

Learning from the Past
Knowing your history helps you understand your rights. Here, we will teach the stories behind things we take for granted—like weekends off, safety rules, and anti-discrimination policies. By learning about victories and setbacks, you’ll see why teamwork and speaking up for justice matter.
Understanding Your Rights
When you know your rights at work, you’re stronger and less likely to be taken advantage of. We will make laws and workplace rules easier to understand so you can spot unfair treatment and know what to do about it.
Building Leadership Skills
Want to be a leader? We will help you build real-world skills: planning, speaking up, solving problems, and working with others. Good leaders make better teams, win fair contracts, and solve workplace challenges.
Becoming an Active Participant
Our goal is to encourage you to get involved, share your opinions, and organize other students and workers for positive change. It’s a chance to practice teamwork and leadership now, even before you graduate.
Standing Up for Social Justice
Unions aren’t just about pay—they’re about fairness for everyone. During the course of our program, you’ll learn how to challenge discrimination and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion wherever you go.
Keeping Up with Change
Technology, new kinds of jobs, and global markets shape the way we work. We will prepare you for these changes and help you develop strategies to keep up and protect yourself in the workplace.
Becoming a Better Negotiator
Negotiating can be tough, but during our program, we will teach you how to make your case, listen, and reach fair agreements. These skills help you in any career—and even in everyday life!
Practicing Democracy
Unions are about making decisions together. You’ll learn about elections, voting, and how to make sure everyone’s voice counts. These experiences teach responsibility, fairness, and teamwork.
Getting Involved in Your Community
Unions make difference not just at work, but in your community. You’ll learn how to work with others on projects, speak out for what’s right, and help create positive change, both at work AND in your community!
Thinking Globally
Workplaces are connected all over the world. We will help you understand international labor issues and how workers everywhere can support each other.
Shaping Your Future
By the end of our program, we hope to have given you the tools you need to stand up for yourselves and others, build great teams, and work for a better, fairer world. Investing in labor union education means investing in your future—and the future of everyone who works. So as you think about your next steps after high school, remember: knowledge is power, and solidarity can change the world.