Labor Activist Training, Course 1 -- Unions in the 21st Century: What Every Activist Should Know

This is the first class of a 4-week course entitled Unions in the 21st Century: What Every Activist Should Know. This course is part of the Labor Activist Training program hosted by the Philadelphia AFL-CIO and The Labor School at Penn State. For more information about this program, call the Philadelphia AFL-CIO at 215-665-9800 or email nalpers(at)philaflcio(dot)org.

Since being first organized over 200 years ago, U.S. unions have been a necessary and important part of our democratic society. To remain relevant, however, unions have to adapt to a changing world and a changing workplace. Union leaders and activists need to understand the changing workforce, the changing economy, the needs and concerns of young workers, and how to actively support the development of upcoming leaders. This course will focus on the challenges faced by today's unions and on what union leaders and union activists need to know to effectively address these challenges.

• Week One (9/20): How We Got Here & Current Challenges
• Week Two (9/27): Common Sense Economics
• Week Three (10/4): Engaging Young Workers
• Week Four (10/11): Developing Union Leaders