What's Popping?
Celebrating Labor Day – What should associations do?
What's at Stake?
It is more than a holiday and day off – it is a time to celebrate and acknowledge challenges within the association community and in the body politic.
Dig Deeper
Yes, it is a federal holiday primarily focusing on paid workers and their rights. Still, the principles and values behind this day can also hold meaning for the association community. And it should!
It is a time for the Community to recognize volunteer efforts and advocate for fair treatment in wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. Recognition could involve highlighting the importance of work-life balance, promoting mental and physical well-being, and addressing issues related to exploitation or unfair practices.
Associations can use this day to strengthen their sense of Community, foster collaboration among different organizations, and unite for common goals.
Associations can use this day to raise awareness about the issues they address: poverty, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or any other cause. By educating the public, they can garner more support and engagement.
Associations can encourage their community to reflect on their impact, the changes they've brought about, and the positive outcomes of their efforts.
Express gratitude to those who support their mission can also be a meaningful gesture.
Associations can use Labor Day to encourage activism and inspire their community to get involved meaningfully. The Community could include advocating for policy changes, organizing fundraising campaigns, or initiating projects that align with their mission.
Labor Day celebrates the achievements of workers, and associations can use the day to celebrate their achievements, too. Celebrations could involve highlighting successful projects, showcasing stories of impacted individuals served by the association, and sharing progress toward the organization's goals.
Associations have a long history of low pay, and it is a time for associations to carefully think about wage disparities between top officials and the line workers, gender and racial inequities, and institute research relative to their position concerning living wages and employee benefits. We are and will compete for talent like never before. Talking about a good game should be matched with action. It is not just a holiday, it is a special opportunity to celebrate and rethink our actions.
The true meaning of Labor Day for the association community can encompass recognition, advocacy, solidarity, education, reflection, empowerment, and celebration. By embracing these principles, associations can align with the spirit of Labor Day and further their mission of creating positive societal change.
What do you think?
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Michael A. Butera
President and CEO
Association Activision, LLC
MichaelB@associationactivision.comLaurel MD
240.383.2112
USA
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