The readings, in-class activity,
and discussion for this session focus on how labor began organizing on a national
scale and the different ideologies that emerged. The film Rebel Girl then
links the national efforts to the personal experience of Elizabeth Gurley Flynn
and the sacrifices she made as a union organizer. Since many of the students are
active in union work, they connect readily to the personal side of the story,
and the challenge of the discussion is to help students see how the historical
circumstances shaped organizing strategies, ideologies, and life choices for workers.