IBT Staff and Local 639 Members Participate in Career Day

On May 15, 2001, the IBT Education Department visited C.W. Raymond Elementary School in Washington, DC to participate in their annual Career Day. This event was attended by 300(+) students ranging in age from nine to twelve. Staff members from the IBT Education Department talked to these young people about what it means to belong to a union.

Career days are important opportunities that labor unions can use as a tool to reach out to our youth and teach them about the labor movement. Most young people today finish their education and enter the workforce with no knowledge about the history of labor or what purpose unions serve. Locals can do so much to provide information to and change the opinions of young people concerning labor unions. They are the future of the labor movement.

At this particular Career Day, the Education Department set up an exhibit with large photos of Teamsters at work and a variety of Teamster items including bumper stickers, pins, key chains, pens, and flyers. As students approached the exhibit, they were greeted by staff members who had the children introduce themselves and share their career goals. Then the students were given a quick quiz.

The quiz uses practical examples that children can relate to and asks them if employers have the right to impose certain workplace injustices upon workers. It is a useful tool that gives students an understanding of how collective bargaining gives workers a voice in the workplace.

The children enjoyed learning about the labor movement and especially liked the Teamster souvenirs that they got to take home with them. This type of community involvement will, hopefully, leave a lasting impression on all of the young people involved.

If your organization is interested in becoming more involved in activities that bring the labor movement into the classroom, please contact the IBT Education Department. They have many resources available that are useful in developing Skills for Tomorrow projects.

IBT Education Department

25 Louisiana Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20001

Phone: (202) 624-8117

Fax: (202) 624-6851

E-mail: Education@teamster.org

The following photographs were supplied by the IBT Education Department.

The IBT table at career day.

Firefighters show kids the real thing - a firetruck - and answer questions about the trade.

IBT staff member shares information with girls and boys at career fair.

School custodian, basketball coach and Local Union 639 member participates in career fair.

Young boys studying the IBT quiz.

Young girls answering questions in the IBT quiz.

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