How to talk to kids about Workers' Rights
Shelby KretzShare
Do you talk with your kids about workers' rights? Are your little ones aware of the importance of labor issues?
Today, we're talking with Sarah Moe from Strike for Our Rights about how to talk to kids about Worker's Rights. It is so important to learn about and educate our kids about these issues.
Sarah Moe (she/her) is a lawyer, software engineer, and founder and Executive Director of Strike For Our Rights. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is passionate about workers’ rights, gender equality, and intersectionality when facing social justice issues. Sarah loves trying creative ice cream flavors and believes that we would all benefit from a greater diversity of people running and being elected into public office. You can learn more about her work at www.strikeforourrights.org and on Instagram @strikeforourrights.
Sarah was a kit leader on our Worker's Rights kit. Grab our Workers' Rights education kit for kids here.
Why is it important to be talking to kids about workers' rights?
Talking to kids about workers' rights is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it empowers them with knowledge about their own rights as future employees, instilling a sense of agency and confidence in navigating the workforce. Understanding concepts like fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize lays the foundation for them to advocate for themselves and others in the future.
Secondly, educating children about workers' rights fosters empathy and compassion towards those who may face exploitation or injustice in the workplace. It helps them recognize inequalities and injustices, promoting a sense of social responsibility and a desire to create positive change in their communities.
Moreover, discussing workers' rights at a young age promotes critical thinking and civic engagement. It encourages children to question societal norms and structures, fostering a generation of active citizens who are equipped to challenge injustice and advocate for equitable treatment for all workers.
By engaging kids in conversations about workers' rights, we are not only preparing them for their future roles as employees and leaders but also nurturing a generation that values fairness, equality, and justice in the workplace and beyond.
How can an adult begin this conversation if their kids have no prior experience with learning about worker's rights?
Starting a conversation about workers' rights with kids who have no prior experience with the topic can be approached in a few simple steps:
- Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet, comfortable environment where you and your child can have an open and focused conversation without distractions. Or maybe after driving past a picket line, you start the conversation to help bring education to the recent experience.
- Introduce the Topic: Begin by explaining what workers' rights are in simple terms. You could say something like, "Hey, I want to talk to you about something important today. Do you know what it means to have rights at work? Like, the right to be treated fairly and safely?"
- Use Relatable Examples: Make the concept of workers' rights relatable to your child's own experiences. You could use examples such as chores at home, allowances, or even experiences they may have heard about from friends or family members.
- Encourage Questions: Let your child know that it's okay to ask questions and that you're there to help them understand. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about the topic.
- Emphasize Fairness and Justice: Highlight the importance of fairness and justice in the workplace. You can discuss why it's essential for everyone to be treated with respect and why some people may need extra support to ensure their rights are upheld.
- Share Stories and Resources: Use age-appropriate stories, books, or videos to further illustrate the concept of workers' rights. There are many resources available that are designed to help children understand complex topics in a simple and engaging way.
- Empower Action: Encourage your child to think about ways they can support workers' rights, even in small ways. This could be as simple as being kind to others or speaking up when they see someone being treated unfairly.
By taking a gentle and approachable approach, you can introduce the topic of workers' rights to your child in a way that is meaningful and understandable to them. Remember to keep the conversation open and ongoing, allowing for continued learning and exploration together.
What are some important points for adults to keep in mind when teaching kids about worker's rights?
When teaching kids about workers' rights, there are several important points for adults to keep in mind:
- Simplify Concepts: Break down complex ideas into simple, digestible concepts that are appropriate for your child's age and understanding. Use language and examples that they can relate to.
- Be Honest and Transparent: Be honest about the realities of the working world, but also maintain a positive and hopeful outlook. Avoid overwhelming children with bleak or frightening information, but don't shy away from discussing challenging topics either.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Help children develop critical thinking skills by encouraging them to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and consider different perspectives. Encourage them to think about why workers' rights are important and how they can contribute to creating positive change.
- Emphasize Empathy and Respect: Teach children to empathize with others and respect the rights and dignity of all workers, regardless of their background or job. Encourage them to consider how their actions and choices impact others in the workplace.
- Highlight Diversity and Inclusion: Emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and how everyone deserves equal treatment and opportunities. Discuss the ways in which discrimination and bias can affect workers and how we can work towards a more equitable society.
- Promote Advocacy and Action: Encourage children to be advocates for workers' rights and to speak up when they see injustice or unfair treatment. Teach them about the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what is right.
- Lead by Example: Model positive behavior and attitudes towards workers' rights in your own actions and interactions. Show children that you value fairness, respect, and justice in the workplace and encourage them to do the same.
By keeping these points in mind, adults can effectively teach children about workers' rights in a way that is engaging, empowering, and age-appropriate.
Is there anything else that is important to know when talking to kids about workers' rights?
One additional aspect to consider when teaching kids about workers' rights is the importance of fostering a sense of agency and empowerment. It's crucial to convey to children that they have the ability to make a difference and advocate for positive change, both in the workplace and in society as a whole.
Encourage children to recognize their own rights and to assert them respectfully. Teach them about the importance of self-advocacy and standing up for themselves in situations where their rights may be at risk. Additionally, help them understand the role of collective action and solidarity in effecting change, whether through joining together with coworkers to negotiate for better conditions or participating in broader social movements for justice and equality.
By empowering children with the knowledge and skills to advocate for themselves and others, we not only equip them to navigate the complexities of the working world but also cultivate a generation of compassionate, engaged citizens who are committed to building a more just and equitable society.
Where can our readers learn more about your work and find resources for learning about workers' rights?
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2 comments
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?
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