Happy May, everyone! It's May 1, and that means it's International Workers Day for billions of people across the globe, from Latin America to Africa, Europe, India, and China.
- American Origins: More than 300,000 Americans walked out of their job on May 1, 1886 in a nationwide strike fighting for an 8-hour work day. [Learn more about May 1 at History.com.]
- Worldwide Celebration: Today the majority of countries worldwide honor May 1 as International Workers Day, alternatively known as "May Day." [Visualize the global reach of the holiday with this Wiki map.]
- Not An American Holiday: Despite originating from a labor movement in the United States, the U.S. equivalent is Labor Day, held annually in September. [Discover how the first Monday of September became Labor Day at Britannica.]
1. Share A Labor Movement Quote to Social Media
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gives a speechPhoto by Unseen Histories on UnsplashHere are some options that would be perfect for Instagram, Facebook, X, or TikTok. What better way to celebrate the day than by amplifying one of these brilliant quotes?
- "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence". -Martin Luther King, Jr.
- "The American Labor Movement has consistently demonstrated its devotion to the public interest. It is, and has been, good for all America." -U.S. President John F. Kennedy
- “Unions have been the only powerful and effective voice working people have ever had in the history of this country.” -Bruce Springsteen
2. Participate in a March or Demonstration
a large group of people are gathered togetherPhoto by Karollyne Videira Hubert on UnsplashIf you're off of work, you might find a march or demonstration planned in your area in honor of May 1st. There are events going on worldwide, many of them colliding with human rights for Palestine at this moment in time.
3. Find A Community Event Near You
people sitting on chair eating food during daytimePhoto by Nicole Herrero on UnsplashSocial groups often hold smaller gatherings, such as picnics or meetups, on May 1, including in the United States. Check for events on social media or in your local news to find something near you.
4. Join The Conversation Online
person using MacBook ProPhoto by Glenn Carstens-Peters on UnsplashIn addition to simply posting a quote, as suggested earlier, you can join the larger conversation happening online around workers' rights. Millions are actively addressing the topic on forums and social networks, and all you have to do is search for the right terms to join the chat.
5. Tour Historical Sites for the Labor Movement
gray scale photo of man and woman statuePhoto by Levi Meir Clancy on UnsplashWhether it's a former union headquarters, a labor hall, or the site of a significant strike or protest, there are plenty of historical sites all around the world that would be interesting to visit on May 1. Check for sites that are near you, close enough for a drive or public transit trip, as these provide great opportunities for reflection and learning.
6. Volunteer
Photo by Ismael Paramo on UnsplashWhat better way to honor labor rights than by doing some labor yourself, giving up your time to help those who are in need and less fortunate? Volunteerism tends to boom on May 1 and it's the perfect day to volunteer.
7. Take Action in Solidarity
a group of people holding hands on top of a treePhoto by Shane Rounce on UnsplashEven if you can't be there personally, post your support online in solidarity with all of the movements and labor efforts happening today around the world.
So what are you waiting for? Get involved. It's a great day to do so and be part of something much larger than ourselves.
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