by James Parks, Jun 16, 2007

Elise Bryant, Lynn Marie Smith, Steve Jones and Naazima Ali at the 2006 Great Labor Arts Exchange.

The National Labor College (NLC) in Silver Spring, Md., is a peaceful, tree-lined campus where workers can study and take classes and hone their skills. But for three days this week, the place will be rocking with the sounds of music, poetry and creative chants and art.

From June 17–19, the annual Great Labor Arts Exchange and Conference on Creative Organizing will take place on the NLC campus—events that help activists combine union mobilization and outreach with  songs, skits, art, poetry, theater, posters, cartoons and film.

For 28 years, the Great Labor Arts Exchange has celebrated the rich cultural heritage of working people and served as a forum that brings together about 100 eclectic and talented labor artists, activists, cultural workers, educators and students. Last year’s participants included a Bricklayers member who sculpted a relief of famed labor organizer Mother Jones on the NLC lawn. But when he lay down his carving tools and washed his hands, he grabbed his tabla drum, an instrument unique to northern India, and accompanied his friend, another bricklayer, who plays the banjo.

The Conference on Creative Organizing trains union staff, organizers and activists to use songs, chants, skits, game shows, costumes, theater and other creative strategies when reaching out to working people. Participants exchange experiences, brainstorm about specific union campaigns, share resources and return home with a battery of new ideas and tools that will make their campaigns more compelling.

Says Jeri Cooper, a member of UAW Local 651:

It’s a good program for any group that wants to pump a little life into their campaigns.

Both events are sponsored by the Labor Heritage Foundation and the National Labor College. Click here for more information.

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