The Communities Convocation

Our Greater Binghamton Labor-Religion Coalition is seeking to develop an enriched understanding of the beneficial relationships which exist among members of the labor movement and members of religious communities. We of the coalition hope that our efforts will strengthen and expand these relationships throughout the Southern Tier of New York. Thus, our group plans to offer a day long educational program and discussion for all interested in the labor movement and the connection the labor movement has with communities of faith.

We are currently planning to offer two ninety minute sessions on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 in an effort to attract as wide a target audience as we can.

The first session is scheduled from 12:00 PM until 1:30 PM. The second session is scheduled from 5 PM until 6:30 PM.

With this in mind, our planning committee wishes to address briefly the recent history and work of the labor movement and the movement’s relationship to and support from religious communities. Sharing your knowledge and experience regarding the development of labor-religion coalitions in the United States and particularly within New York State will be pertinent. We anticipate addressing the weakening of modern-day unions and the decline of union membership in this country.

Table conversations will be stimulated by facilitators with some key questions for discussion. Some highlights of those conversations could be shared with the entire group in an effort to promote discussion regarding the common interests of the labor and faith communities.

During this discussion and feedback period, we plan to highlight the work of the Greater Binghamton Labor-Religion Coalition and the newly organized Workers Center of the Southern Tier of New York. We want to encourage those present to share stories of what is working and what needs to be given more focus and attention.