Poverty+ELA+Assignment+2

Assignment 2: Modern Views of Poverty

Time needed: One 90 minute Project block

Key Idea: Understanding workers rights in the economy

Procedure: The class will read the interview “The People Feel Powerless” available at: http://www.tolerance.org/teach/activities/activity.jsp?cid=726

The class will then answer the following key questions (in a format determined by the instructor):


 * Why was it important for Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez to unionize migrant farm workers? What kind of labor abuse did the workers experience?
 * Why do organizers use "non-violence" and "peaceful demonstrations" to make change?
 * Why do you think Dolores Huerta senses anxiety among working people? Do you think this is true for all working people? Why?
 * Why does Huerta see corporate media as "a wall" that must be broken down?
 * Is there more you can do to make your community safe and equitable for all workers?