A Tradition of Solidarity
Unions have long used clothing as a way to show unity. T-shirt days go back to the early labor movement, when workers wanted a simple but powerful way to make their solidarity visible. By wearing the same color or design, members could see one another across a crowd and know they were part of the same community, all fighting for the same thing.
That tradition continues today. Each CSU union has its own colors. CFA members wear red, Teamsters wear dark blue, and UAW often use maroon shade. For APC, it’s forest green. When we put on our APC green, we are part of a shared story of workers standing together.
Wearing APC Green on Campus
On each CSU campus there are events when APC green can really stand out.
Convocation
When the president speaks at the start of the academic year, union members should attend wearing their APC t-shirts. It sends a clear message that our work matters and that we are a strong, significant presence at CSU.
Chapter Meetings
Wearing your t-shirt signals that it is more than just a meeting. It is a chance to gather as colleagues, to connect, and to show strength in numbers. This is particularly powerful when non-members attend chapter meetings.
Campus Traditions and Celebrations
From staff appreciation days and picnics to homecoming events, showing up in your APC
t-shirts lets others know who we are and what we stand for. It is a simple but effective way to increase visibility and remind everyone that APC members play a vital role on every campus.
Beyond Campus: Statewide and Systemwide Events
Board of Trustees Rallies
When APC members attend rallies during the Board of Trustees meetings, wearing APC green makes our presence clear. These events bring members together in solidarity and often include other CSU unions, creating a strong and visible show of unity.
Council meetings
Stewards are encouraged to wear APC polos or t-shirts at council meetings. It signals to colleagues and campus leaders that APC is present and organized, even outside of our home campuses.
Coalition actions
Wearing APC green at joint events, marches, or demonstrations adds to the collective strength of the labor movement. Our visibility shows that APC is a vital part of the CSU union community and that together, unions can amplify their impact.
Expanding the Options
While the t-shirt is our most common symbol of solidarity, some chapters have also explored sweatshirts, jackets, and hats. In addition, APC has considered additional options to give members more ways to show their union pride. What would you like to include?
Making Our Solidarity Seen
There is something powerful about seeing a wave of APC green across campus. It is more than just a color. It is a reminder that you are part of something bigger, something that connects colleagues across departments and campuses.
For members, it creates a sense of pride and belonging. You can look across a crowded space and know that others stand with you. For non-members, the effect can be just as strong. Seeing APC green may spark curiosity, encourage them to ask questions, or even inspire them to attend a chapter meeting. It is a visible sign that the union is active, organized, and standing together.
Capturing these moments in photos makes the feeling last even longer. Each image shared is another way to show the strength of our community and extend the invitation for others to join us.
Looking Ahead
Wearing your APC t-shirt may seem like a small act, but it carries a powerful message. It shows that we are proud of our work, proud of our colleagues, and proud to stand together as a union. Each time we wear APC green, we make our solidarity visible to Unit 4 (members and future members, campus leaders, and the entire CSU community.
Join your colleagues in wearing APC green at the next chapter meeting, campus event, or rally.
If you do not yet have an APC t-shirt, reach out to your campus steward to request one. Together, we show that even the smallest actions can have the biggest impact.