Throughout modern history, from social justice protests to political campaigns and rallies, participants have worn pins and buttons to spread awareness and increase visibility of the cause. These items have become collected and cherished treasures by their former wearers. 

David Crump, Executive Director of the National Farm Worker Ministry in 1996 and current staff of the Farmworkers Association of Florida, shares his experience representing NFWM at the United Farm Workers 13th Constitutional Convention. 

“This particular button from UFW was from their meeting in 1996. It was their periodical Constitutional Convention, which brought representatives from across the union to make decisions about next steps for campaigns in progress. It was early on during the year I was Executive Director. I was amazed to even be a part of this. There were a couple thousand people there, giving different presentations. Everyone got a button and we wore it for the entire time we were there. Our role was to be there as a supporter and a listener. We were building relationships and gathering information about the different campaigns so that we could share it with our larger community.”

Additional buttons courtesy of Richard Cook.