Maddie Evans at the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) reports on back-to-school season: In classrooms across the country, students will learn everything from math to music to health to personal finance, but how do young people learn about Unions and collective power? Some kids learn about Workers’ Rights because they have family members in a Union, but many only learn about the Labor Movement briefly in their history classes. Even when the Labor Movement is taught, students can sometimes find it difficult to connect the lessons to their lives. This is why AFSCME’s Job Training & Development Center is making learning about the Labor Movement more relatable and relevant for young people. The Make Your Own Union Bug activity introduces the history of Labor and Union Bugs to elementary and middle school students. It’s designed to help students connect these lessons to their daily lives. But what is a Union Bug? It’s a small symbol usually found on printed materials that show the products were produced by Union labor. Union Labels serve a similar purpose and are typically be found inside clothing with the tag. The activity discusses where Union Bugs can be found today before giving students the opportunity to create their own Union Bug designs. By coming up with their own designs, students can create a personal connection with this bit of Labor History. Students can even vote on a Union Bug design to represent their class or group. The group’s Union Bug can be added to their homework or class projects, which can help students understand and practice solidarity. Discussing where Union Bugs can be found today helps young people connect this piece of Union History to the present day. This allows students to see the Labor Movement as our present and our future, not just our history. 

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: This activity will make labor history come alive for your kids | American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)