Learn About Union Organizing
"As an undergraduate at Wesleyan University I became deeply interested in the labor movement after learning how closely the plight of my fellow people of color was intertwined with the strength and solidarity of labor unions. Now I find myself working for AFSCME organizing state workers in Baltimore."
Brian Thorpe
"What made me interested in signing up for AFSCME's Alternative Break program is my own work experience. I've been out of school for a couple of years now, and I've really seen some disappointing things. I thought it was time to do something about it."
Sara Wallenfang
Spend Your Break Fighting for Justice as a Union Organizer
- Are you a college senior looking for a different kind of school break experience?
- Do you want to make a difference after you graduate?
- If your answer to these questions is "YES," then AFSCME's Alternative Union Break Program is for you!
How It Works
Travel to an active union organizing campaign for 5 days of intensive training and organizing. You'll learn the basics of union organizing in the classroom and get hands on experience while talking with workers in their homes. Program participants will be provided with lodging and transportation during the week as well as a $125 stipend for food. Transportation to the program is the responsibility of the participant.
Candidates who successfully complete AFSCME’s Alternative Break program will be given priority consideration for AFSCME’s year-long Organizer-in-Training positions (starting pay is $34,212 and excellent benefits are included).
What You'll Learn
A typical day might include learning about local labor history, talking with workers about improving their working conditions, and participating in campaign strategy sessions. All participants will learn the AFSCME organizing model, which links grassroots organizing with a rigorous analysis of the power relationships that influence workers' lives.
During the 2007 AFSCME Alternative Winter Break in Oakland, California participants:
- Knocked on over 400 doors.
- Talked to over 140 child care providers.
- Learned about AFSCME Local 3299 efforts to organize workers and students on college campuses.
- Also, there were presentations by Young Workers United, photojournalist David Bacon, and Patrice O'Neill, Executive Producer, The Working Group.
AFSCME's 2009
Alternative Break
Sessions:
Spring Break
Session 1: March 15 - 20
Session 2: March 22 - 27
Campaigns and locations to be announced.
Open to College Seniors and Graduates who are seriously considering a career in union organizing.
Who We Are
The 1.4 million members of AFSCME (The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to school bus drivers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.
To learn more about AFSCME, visit our website at AFSCME.org.
Join Us Today and Make a Difference!
Space is limited, so apply now to be considered for one of our three 2008 sessions.
If you have questions about AFSCME's Alternative Break programs,
call Rachel at 410-837-3055.
Download the AFSCME Alternative Break poster (433k PDF)
More Organizing Opportunities
The Union Scholars Program is a joint project from AFSCME and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to let eligible college students experience what it's like to be part of the labor movement. Find out more.
AFSCME organizers are committed to helping workers gain power on the job. Visit AFSCMEOrganizers.org to see if you have what it takes and to learn about a job as an AFSCME organizer.
©2007 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO.