If you’d like to plan better picket lines or rallies, this workshop is for you! We’ll talk about how to create songs and chants that capture current issues, but also dig into the practical: developing an event plan that manages logistics for success.
Group singing has always been a key ingredient to sustain labor and civil rights struggles in the U.S., because it lifts our spirits, reminds us of our values, and helps us find the unity and energy to stick it out one day longer. What makes a good song for a rally or march, and how can you get people singing along? Learn the basics of song-leading, plus some powerful "Singing Resistance" anthems from Minnesota and other easy-to-learn songs you can adapt to any fight.
Our labor movement is brimming with creativity and artistry. Come share a song, hip-hop piece, story, poem, dance, drag piece, joke, poster, puppet, banner, spoken word piece, costume, chant, photo, picket sign, or whatever you've got... Or just come to listen. You’ll be moved and amazed at what your fellow workers bring to the table.
Meet others who are bringing creativity and heart to labor struggles: the chant writer, the photographer, the singer, the one who makes great signs, draws comics, wears a hilarious costume, or gets everyone dancing on the picket line.
You want a stronger union. Is it time for a reform caucus? How would you get started on solid ground? This workshop, based on a new Labor Notes guide, will help you plan first steps to a lasting movement for a democratic union that can beat the boss.
Audiophiles of the world, unite! Strikers in the 20th century sometimes made vinyl records to raise funds and get their message out. These artifacts offer a lively glimpse of grassroots worker culture in different times and places. Enjoy the music, browse the album art, and hear the history behind a few of these fascinating records collected in the new book Strike While the Needle Is Hot (Common Notions Press, 2025).
Ever wanted to write for Labor Notes magazine or website? When you discover a good tactic, uncover a problem, or win a righteous fight, we want to help you share the news. If it’s the first time you’ve written a published article, no problem! Come learn do’s and don’ts, what editors look for in a story, and how to get started.
Songs are at the heart of powerful social movements, and some of the songs that have changed the world have been written by ordinary working people. Two accomplished labor songwriters will share some songs from their wide-ranging catalogs and discuss the roles different kinds of songs can play in movement-building. But this isn’t just a performance, it’s also a hands-on workshop. You’ll learn some tools of the trade and get started writing a song!
