In these extraordinary times, many early childhood educators are worried about the plight of children and families. We are taking action where we can to mitigate the impacts of harmful public policy, and we are calling for, marching for, and advocating for change.
I can’t help but wonder what history will say about this time. Who will tell the story? Will the voices of early educators be among the storytellers?
In my seven decades of living and learning, I am frequently surprised to uncover a story from the past, and wonder, “How could I have not known that? Why was that not part of the history I learned?”
Having worked as a child care teacher and as an activist for better wages and working conditions for four decades of my career, I now spend time remembering stories as I lived them and uncovering new stories. I work on documenting the history of activism in early education along with my colleagues at CSCCE through the ECHOES (Early Childhood History, Organizing, Ethos, and Strategy) Project.
Recently I had the opportunity to share, via a webinar organized by the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, the story of the first Worthy Wage Day held in 1992. When I tell the story of that day and the history that preceded it, and when I recount that there was activism in 35 states around the country on that day, I often hear others echo my own question, “How could I have not known about that?”
Learning the history of activism and uncovering new stories keeps me curious, encourages me to try a new perspective, grows empathy and compassion for those whose experiences are different than mine, and broadens my understanding of the world. And sometimes it makes me angry, compelling me to once again act on my beliefs. History provides counsel a guidebook of sorts for the next generation of activists. If this strategy of old, for example “building collective power,” is still relevant today, what are today’s tactics for achieving it? History can also provide warnings, like “Do you recall that policy ‘solution’ that created more problems than it solved?” But history can also inspire and even offer comfort, as we learn about the brave folks on whose shoulders we stand because they took a stand.
This blog post is a challenge to you to uncover the history of early educator activism where you live. Become a sleuth in search of local archives! Find the storytellers among the elders in your community. Explore the ECHOES website. Contact CSCCE to see what is known about your state’s engagement in the compensation movement of the late 20th century. Be open to surprises!