Child labor was one cause of the Progressive Era. Efforts were made by many groups such as progressives and workers unions to stop the mistreatment of children (Child Labor (Issue), Mary Bonk and Thomas Carson), but the most effective organization was the NCLC.
"We believe the record of the past seven years gives promise that the American people are ready to rally to the establishment of laws which, throughout the nation, shall guarantee to every child an adequate opportunity to play and grow and learn, and that we shall soon permit ourselves to be brought among those nations truly civilized that recognize in their child-life the most valuable asset among all their treasures."- Owen R. Lovejoy on the purpose of the National Child Labor Committee (National Child Labor Committee Greenberg and Watts)
The NCLC was a private, nonprofit organization, started in 1904. Lewis Hine worked there for 10 years. His photographs were put on display in posters with slogans like "All pay the cost, but few profit from child labor" (Kids At Work, Russell Freedman). They also held annual conferences, where child labor was discussed. These usually had many visitors and would discuss the laws and progress on child labor at the time (English News).
Another strategy was to use Hine's photographs as evidence (National Child Labor Committee, Greenberg, Watts). While it was important to changing the opinion to the public by showing harsh realities, Hine's photography was also a statement of truth, and a very effective one. Using these pictures in their posters and campaigns made it harder for anyone to deny the NCLC. They used many different tactics as well as this to make their point.
Oshkosh Daily Northwestern from 1910, account of Lewis Hine at a conference.
Another strategy was to use Hine's photographs as evidence (National Child Labor Committee, Greenberg, Watts). While it was important to changing the opinion to the public by showing harsh realities, Hine's photography was also a statement of truth, and a very effective one. Using these pictures in their posters and campaigns made it harder for anyone to deny the NCLC. They used many different tactics as well as this to make their point.
Oshkosh Daily Northwestern from 1910, account of Lewis Hine at a conference.
Exhibition Against Child Labor/USA Britannica ImageQuest
Another important point about the NCLC's work was that they were not only against child labor. They also wanted mandatory education for all children (National Child Labor Committe, Brian Greenberg and Linda Watts). However, they also recognized that they were living in a time where this would have to be a long-term goal. They had four specific requirements: an age limit of 14 (which would eventually happen), no workdays over 8 hours, no night work, and no workers under 16 in hazardous jobs (National Child Labor Committee, Brian Greenberg and Linda Watts). They still run today.
Another important point about the NCLC's work was that they were not only against child labor. They also wanted mandatory education for all children (National Child Labor Committe, Brian Greenberg and Linda Watts). However, they also recognized that they were living in a time where this would have to be a long-term goal. They had four specific requirements: an age limit of 14 (which would eventually happen), no workdays over 8 hours, no night work, and no workers under 16 in hazardous jobs (National Child Labor Committee, Brian Greenberg and Linda Watts). They still run today.