Emerging Leaders Conference to focus on Bread & Roses project

Registration is now open for the Washington State Labor Education and Research Center’s 2nd Annual 2012 Emerging Leaders Conference and Bread & Roses Project on April 13-14 at the Georgetown Campus of the South Seattle Community College, 6737 Corson Ave. South. But the conference activities inspired by the centennial of the Bread & Roses strike in Lawrence, Mass., are already beginning.

This isn’t a traditional conference, but a series of hands-on activities running through the end of May. Participants will learn how to produce a large-size inflatable display that can be used during marches and rallies. They will learn how to create activities around the display — script writing and character development, messaging, soundtracks, etc. And they will then take their action into the streets for the May Day March in Seattle, have the opportunity to present it at the Pacific Northwest Labor History Association Conference in Tacoma, and then be part of the Northwest Folklife Festival over Memorial Day weekend.

Those who choose to participate in the Emerging Leaders Conference only, can attend the Friday, April 13 session and then be part of the workshopping for the Bread & Roses project on Saturday, April 14 — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m both days. This is a great opportunity to learn about how a street theatre action like this is put together.

The conference cost is $150 (includes all workshops and meals), and some scholarships are available. Download a registration form here: 2012 ELC Registration

For more information, including descriptions of the Bread & Roses Project teams, visit the Labor Center’s website and click on “Emerging Leaders Initiative” at the left.