This Thursday, May 1, is International Workers Day – and this year it will be marked with a May Day Strong National Day of Action that NEA is participating in across the country. Educators will join workers, parents, students, and community members to stand for dignity, justice, and public investment in our careers, our schools, and our students’ lives.

Here in Michigan, we’re asking all MEA members to Wear Red for Public Ed on Thursday to show the unity and importance of education professionals in our communities.  Beyond that, there are events happening all over the state on Thursday and through the weekend, including several involving MEA locals:

• In Carman-Ainsworth, CAEA is coordinating walk ins at their buildings before school.
• In Lansing, LSEA is holding an afterschool “Show Up/Show Out” at the Meridian Mall – a public display of the work that public school employees do every day.
• In Detroit, the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO has a May Day rally and march planned for Thursday afternoon.
• In Traverse City, a Saturday morning rally and march is planned to Stand Up for Education.
• In Troy, TEA is holding a school supply drive at Gateway Park as part of the local May Day event.

Plan to attend these or other events in your area. Want to do something locally?  There’s still time – check out NEA’s toolkit for holding successful local May Day Strong events or learn more at maydaystrong.org.