This fully asynchronous course is a book study of Betty Reid Soskin’s 2018 memoir Sign My Name to Freedom:  A Memoir of a Pioneering Life. Soskin recounts her experience growing up during segregation, her activism during the civil rights movement, and her decision to become a Park Ranger at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park at age 85. The course offers an opportunity to read and reflect on the significance of oral history, equity, and the promises of the civil rights movement in both the past and present. Participants will submit pre-reading assignments, guided reading questions, and a final reflection. Completion of this course offers an opportunity to purchase 15 clock hours in Equity. NWESD 189 is a state approved clock hour provider and clock hours can be used for certificate renewal in Washington State.

The book is available for purchase as a paperback, hardcopy, or audiobook through the following book sellers or libraries may have the book available to check out:

• • Betty Reid Soskin's website
  • The Rosie the Riveter Trust
  • Amazon

Participants may also consider enrolling in the related NWESD online courses:

• "Rosie the Riveter, Wendy the Welder, and Manufacturing Opportunities," which examines the history behind "Rosie the Riveter" and "Wendy the Welder," looking at the competing histories and narratives behind these figures. The course also focuses on how work opportunities in manufacturing, and welding in particular, have evolved over time and examines efforts toward equity in STEM occupations. Completion of this course offers an opportunity to purchase 6 clock hours in either STEM or Equity.
• "Film Study:  No Time to Waste," which offers an exclusive opportunity to view the 2020 documentary No Time to Waste, a collaborative project from the Rosie the Riveter Trust, the National Park Service, and Digital Story Company. The documentary captures Betty Reid Soskin's life and experiences, including working under segregation during WWII and as a National Park Service Ranger at age 85. The course offers an opportunity to purchase 5 clock hours in Equity.
• See the Online Learning Program webpageLinks to an external site. at NWESD to find these courses and other online opportunities. 

Deadline:  Participants must complete this session in Canvas by October 15, 2026. Course attendance is taken on an on-going basis after participants finish, often within 3-5 days, though during rush periods and holiday breaks please be aware it may take up to 2 weeks.