For a Google doc version of this lesson, click here (you will be prompted to make a copy).

Making connections: Take a look at the lesson “Briefing Session: Plight of Migrant Workers” on Journalism in Action, our website that explores how journalists covered key issues in history, including migrant farm workers.

Background

Dolores Huerta is a community organizer, labor activist, civil rights leader and advocate for social, economic and environmental justice. She has spent her life fighting for the rights of farm workers, women and immigrants. At 93, Huerta continues to work using a grassroots model, training activists to go door-to-door and person-to-person to encourage and support taking action.

Dolores Huerta speaking in 2014, after the release of Dolores, a film about her life. Photo courtesy of Ilka Hartmann.

Watch video (edited for time): A Conversation with Dolores Huerta

Edited from American Archive of Public Broadcasting (GBH and the Library of Congress), Boston, MA and Washington, DC, PBS NewsHour . May 30, 2012. Full video can be found here . You can find a transcript of the edited video here .

Warm-up activity:

1. Watch the segment on Dolores Huerta. Click on the link from the Library of Congress to read more about Dolores Huerta.
2. Respond in writing to the following prompt (alternatively, use question for class discussion):
   1. What about Dolores Huerta stands out most to you and why?
3. Examine the poster below about fair labor and farm workers’ rights. Then respond in writing to the following questions (alternatively, use questions for class discussion):
   1. What do you think the purpose of this poster is?
   2. What is the main title of this poster? How does its title reflect its purpose?
   3. Describe the image on the poster. How does the image support this poster’s purpose?
   4. What other words on the poster support the poster’s purpose (what are its subtitles)?

Sances, Jos., Artist. Si, se puede! — An evening in solidarity with Dolores Huerta. 1990. https://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/april/dolores-huerta-born

Main activity: Create an activist poster

Activism can be defined as the use of action to initiate social or political change. Dolores Huerta is an example of an activist. In this activity, you will be an activist. You will create a poster, a form of disseminating information that activists continue to use.

Materials

Materials for creating a handmade poster, or create an electronic poster on Google docs. If you use a photo from the lesson, be sure to credit the source or photographer directly under the photo.

• Paper
• Markers, crayons, paint (use any medium available)
• Ruler
• Scissors (if cutting out photos from the lesson)
• Glue sticks
• Student handout

Directions

Use the table below ( student handout version here ) to:

1. Come up with a purpose for your poster — this is your thesis! What main point do you want to communicate, or encourage people to think about or do? Look back at your own writing!
2. Gather your evidence using the information in the lesson and your own writing.
3. Come up with the title of your poster (from your purpose) and the words (subtitles) you will add to your poster (from your evidence).

Follow the examples provided.

Purpose Title of Poster Evidence Words on Poster (Subtitles) Ex: To honor Dolores Huerta “A Tribute to Dolores Huerta” Huerta is a lifelong community activist and she teaches people how to organize and stand up for themselves. “Inspires us all” "Grassroots efforts”
Ex: To encourage activism about climate change (or any topic you care about). “We Must Act Now!” Huerta says we each have power and must organize and stand up for ourselves and for what is right. “Stand up”
“Protect planet Earth” Your work here:

1. Create a piece of art (about ¾ of your paper size) for your poster or use an image from the lesson or from the Library of Congress's research guide on Dolores Huerta .
2. Add your main title (large). Add your image. Add your subtitles.
3. If there is time, create a gallery walk of all the activist posters and leave feedback (on post-it notes) on at least 3 posters (positive feedback only-write the things about your classmates’ posters that you notice work well).

Extension activities:

1. Read “Hearsay News” which covers “Dolores,” the movie about Huerta’s life.

by Ilka Hartmann. Hearsay News. November 13, 2017.

1. Take a look at Harvest of Shame video lesson on Journalism in Action.

Standards

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3)

D2.Civ.2.6-8.

Specific roles played by citizens

D2.Civ.5.9-12.

Citizens’ and institutions’ effectiveness in addressing social and political problems

Common Core

RI.6.3

RI.8.3

Analyze connections between individuals, ideas, or events

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2

Determine the central ideas or information of a source; providing an accurate summary

Dina Weinberg has worked with children and teens in public and private schools for the past 25 years. She taught middle school English, worked as a teaching artist on large scale collaborative mural projects, created and led a Seed to Table Garden program and taught fine art to children for the last 20 years. Her approach to teaching and learning stems from her belief that every person has the right to grow in a fulfilling, enjoyable, and safe way. Dina currently works one-on-one with students on expository, personal, and historical writing skills; math and science, and building organizational skills.  She is the mother of two grown daughters and lives in Bronx, New York, with her husband.

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