What does Labor Day mean to you? A three-day weekend? One last cookout before summer slips away? Maybe it’s the day you put away those white shoes till next spring. (Or has Emily Post been overruled by modern fashion and nobody cares anymore?) Whatever the holiday means to you, Labor Day ha s meaning that goes well beyond the long weekend. For more than a century, it has been a day set aside to recognize the contributions of working women and men. Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day began as a celebration of the labor movement and an opportunity for workers to recognize their accomplishments, advocate for better working conditions and wages, and discuss strategies for improving the lives of working people. The first Labor Day gathering took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, when workers participated in a parade followed by a picnic in the park. In 1885 and 1886, various municipal ordinances were passed to recognize the holiday. And in 1887, Oregon became the first state to officially establish the Labor Day holiday through legislation. By the time Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, 30 states were already celebrating it. Today, it is a legal holiday throughout the United States. Over the years, the meaning of Labor Day has shifted for many of us, as it is now primarily associated with a day away from work, family gatherings, and the unofficial end of summer. Perhaps this year, however, we can take a moment to remember what the holiday was originally intended to honor: the value of work and the people whose work strengthens our families, communities, and nation. In that spirit, we want to recognize the many hard-working people within our city. We would also like to share how the Wayne Township Trustee Office helps some of our residents build a path toward employment, as they also give back to their community. There actually is a long history behind this idea. In the mid-1800s, able-bodied individuals receiving assistance from their township were often expected to work within their community in exchange for that help. For example, they might chop firewood or work on farms or in gardens for people who were unable to perform those tasks for themselves. The idea was that receiving help did not necessarily mean the recipient didn’t also have the ability to give back. And because receiving assistance can affect a person’s sense of pride, the chance to contribute often helped to restore their self-esteem. This same spirit of contributing and maintaining dignity continues today through the Wayne Township Trustee Office’s Workfare program. Township Assistance clients who are able to work and are otherwise not employed may be required to participate in our Workfare program. Participants are assigned “workdays” based on the amount of assistance they receive, and they complete those days at various nonprofit organizations or government agencies. The work can take many forms. Some participants assist at the Wayne Township Trustee Office with cleaning, maintenance, and other projects. Others provide valuable assistance to community organizations that may not otherwise have the resources to bring in those extra hands. Before beginning their Workfare assignments, participants attend an orientation where they learn about appropriate dress, conduct, and expectations for working at their assigned organization. For those who are required to participate, completing the program is also an important part of maintaining their Township Assistance. Workfare can benefit everyone involved. Community organizations receive additional help at no cost, while participants gain practical experience, develop job skills, and become familiar with workplace expectations. In some cases, Workfare has even directly led to full-time employment, with participants being hired by the organizations where they completed their assignments. So, as we enjoy the cookouts and the long weekend this Labor Day, perhaps we can also take a moment to appreciate the people behind the work — the employees, tradespeople, caregivers, business owners, volunteers, and countless others who keep our community moving forward. Happy Labor Day! …And yes, you can probably keep wearing those white shoes, if you want. ...read more read less