What It Is

Employment is about more than just having a job. It is how people use their skills, time, and creativity to contribute to society and support themselves and their families. Employment-related causes help people find jobs, gain new skills, and overcome barriers like discrimination, poverty, or lack of education. For families, learning about work builds understanding of responsibility, perseverance, and fairness, while helping kids see how different jobs make communities thrive.

Why It Matters

• For everyone: Meaningful work provides dignity, independence, and a sense of purpose.

• For families: Supporting fair employment helps create stable homes and stronger communities.

• For kids: Learning about careers and responsibility encourages confidence and planning for the future.

Everyday Impact

• Individual: Explore different career paths or volunteer to help others with job readiness.

• Family: Talk about what work means in your family and how it connects to your values.

• Group: Support local workforce programs or donate professional clothing for job seekers.

Family Challenge Pack (Tiered Learning Path)

🟢 Tier 1: Discover

• Learn about different types of work and why employment matters.

• Talk about what each family member does for work or how they contribute to the household.

• Visit a local business or community program and learn what skills are needed there.

• Watch videos or read books about different careers and trades.

• Reflection prompt: What kind of work do you find interesting or inspiring, and why?

🟡 Tier 2: Do

• Support people who are preparing for or searching for jobs.

• Donate gently used clothes to a workforce development or career center.

• Help a family friend or neighbor practice for an interview or write a resume.

• Volunteer at a nonprofit that helps people learn job skills or find employment.

• Reflection prompt: What skills do people need to find and keep a job they enjoy?

🔴 Tier 3: Lead

• Promote fair employment and opportunity in your community.

• Organize a clothing or tool drive for job seekers.

• Host a career discovery night at school or a community center.

• Advocate for fair wages and equal opportunities through local programs or social media.

• Reflection prompt: How does fair work create stronger, more equal communities?

How to Learn More [click for link]

• U.S. Department of Labor

• Goodwill Industries

• National Skills Coalition

Spotting Real vs. Fake

• Legitimate workforce programs are transparent about funding and results.

• Avoid “work-from-home” scams or jobs that ask for money upfront.

• Trust organizations that provide real training, job placement, or skill-building support.

Youth Role Models

Ryan Hickman – Started Ryan’s Recycling at age 7, showing how initiative and responsibility can turn a passion into a meaningful job.

Moziah Bridges – Founded Mo’s Bows as a pre-teen, combining creativity and business sense while advocating for youth entrepreneurship.

Leanna Archer – Launched her own natural haircare company at age 9 and now mentors other young entrepreneurs.

Ziad Ahmed – Founder of Redefy, which promotes youth leadership, inclusion, and professional development through social impact projects.

Tiana Day – High school student and social entrepreneur who created Youth Advocates for Change to teach leadership and career skills to young people.

Reflection Prompt

After engaging in an employment-related action:

• What does meaningful work look like to you?

• How can you support others who are looking for a job or training?

• What skills would you like to learn to prepare for the future?

Cause-to-Action Pathways

• Individual: Learn or teach basic job skills such as interviewing or budgeting.

• Family: Support job readiness organizations through donations or volunteering.

• Group: Partner with a local business or nonprofit to host a career awareness event.

The Big Picture

Employment connects people to purpose, progress, and possibility. When families help others gain access to good jobs and fair pay, they strengthen the foundation of their communities. Work is more than a paycheck; it is a way of contributing to a world where everyone has the chance to build a meaningful life