not sure if i can think of anything off the top of my head, sorry.
but if you're feeling really ballsy why not tell them about the Work Peoples' College?
IWW High School History Lesson
I learned about the IWW while in highschool, though definitely not through my teacher in any way. 
I still explain industrial vs trade unionism in terms of the different unions present in an Ontario highschool: teachers, janitors, admin and ununionised food service workers. I bring up examples from my experience, and often other people's experience, where say the janitors went on strike and the teachers and other staff came in and all did a bit to clean for a day or two, basically scabbing. Or when the teachers strike and everyone else comes in and sits around. Most people can understand it's silly to have all those people in different unions.
Of course you'll need to get local specifics about unions.
I found highschool history was mainly about death and the military. I was amazed at Utah Phillips telling stories of people doing stuff. The fact that folks really could get things done was pretty astounding since I had been raised to think otherwise. The Spokane free speech fights stunned me and I went and told every one who would listen for a while how hobos lining up to talk union beat the mayors and the Sally Anne.
I think the idea of Direct Action is pretty appealing. Well, to me anyways. but I'm obviously a big nerd because I sit around on forums talking about this stuff.
ncwob, There is a wob here who is in teacher's college, would you be interested in being put in touch? he is sound. (Also up to his eyeballs in work.) PM me with contact details if yes.
What's the work people's college?
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What's the work people's college?
I would post the link to it, but the international site appears to be down at the moment. It is a historic worker's ed project and building that has recently been rejuvenated by our Twin Cities branch. Their first set of classes this year is Chomsky 101. Badass.
I'd say keep the history to a minimum, talk about some of our more inspirational strikes and campaigns, and talk about the philosophy a lot. Even if they don't agree with it, it'll at least get their attention. And obviously you've got to talk about current campaigns, otherwise it'll all just be abstract and distant.
Oh, and don't forget about the red scares and the Palmer raids. State repression always raised my eyebrows back in high school. They're always talked about as civil liberties vs. national security. But try framing it as something the state did because it didn't like all these pesky radicals challenging their grip on power.
Good luck and don't worry about being nervous - they're more scared of you than you are of them!!
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Oh, and don't forget about the red scares and the Palmer raids. State repression always raised my eyebrows back in high school. They're always talked about as civil liberties vs. national security. But try framing it as something the state did because it didn't like all these pesky radicals challenging their grip on power.
very good idea, and keep the suggestions coming everyone, i really appreciate it.
I would say that relating history to their personal experiences is a good way to go...everyone likes the weekend right ? Maybe talk about child labor, youth organizing and the "Junior Wobblies". Discussing how the IWW organized across race and gender lines is also important. Wobbly songs and art could be a good way to get them engaged. Maybe coming up with some sort of an activity like a roleplay or other method for illustrating key points in your presentation.
ncwob wrote:
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Oh, and don't forget about the red scares and the Palmer raids. State repression always raised my eyebrows back in high school. They're always talked about as civil liberties vs. national security. But try framing it as something the state did because it didn't like all these pesky radicals challenging their grip on power.very good idea, and keep the suggestions coming everyone, i really appreciate it.
Maybe talk about how they took away the civil rights of wobs and others in the name of defending them—10,000 detained without arrest in two months over 1919-1920. That's a lot of civil rights violations.
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Maybe talk about how they took away the civil rights of wobs and others in the name of defending them—10,000 detained without arrest in two months over 1919-1920. That's a lot of civil rights violations.
Good call. I've decided to talk about the free speech fights and mention how not only were Wobs organizing bi-racial locals, but many of our tactics in the FSFs foreshadowed the civil rights movement of the 60's.
Ok, so i've been invited to give a talk on the IWW to a class of 10th graders (for those of you on the other side of the pond, that equates to 15 and 16 year olds). I'm studying to become a history teachers so I have a pretty good idea of how I want to run this: general talk on unions, then moving into the history of the IWW - I think i'll mention Hellen Keller, and then giving them some ideas of what we're doing now, with a focus on the SWU campaign. Either way, I'd love to hear anyone's ideas or see if anyone has any suggestions for short pieces of literature that are comprehensible to teenagers and will get them enthused.
Note: I was invited by the teacher personally thru one of our younger members who is in his class. The teachers seems to have some lefty politics and has even expressed interest in joining the union. I'm assuming this means I can get pretty lefty without incurring any opposition from the teacher, but I still want to keep it in terms the kids can understand.
Much appreciated everyone,
x361737