‌Students learning at the college’s Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies, 325 Hudson Street, Manhattan, are participating in the People’s Climate March beginning at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, in New York City.

The march is scheduled to take place around a meeting of world leaders coming to the city for a U.N. summit to discuss climate change.

More than 750 organizations around the world are supporting the march, from New York City’s largest transit workers’ union to a coalition of Buddhist monks.
The college’s labor students, together with a larger group known as the “Workers Art Coalition,” are constructing and will march alongside the float “We Build the Future,” which will represent the aspirations of the labor movement for a sustainable city.

Activities leading up to the march have already begun in the city and across the country. The college’s labor center in conjunction with the Workforce Development Institute again will sponsor a production of “When the Lights Go Out.” This theatrical performance is inspired by, and based on, the art exhibit “Sandy Stories,” which displays photos taken by workers during and after Hurricane Sandy.

“When the Lights Go Out” was performed at the labor center Dec. 5, 2013, and then in January of this year at the college’s facility at 113 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

The upcoming performance will take place at 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, at the offices of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3, 158-11 Harry Van Arsdale Ave., Flushing.

IBEW local 3 and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 1 pay to have their apprentices earn an associate degree from the college.

The United Federation of Teachers Paraprofessionals also receive support from their union to earn their degree with the college,as do students from other unions and unaffiliated students seeking associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the area of labor studies.

More information about the event, including transportation options, can be found at www.peoplesclimate.org.