Netroots Nation, the annual conference for online activists, is on next week, June 16-19, in Minneapolis. The union movement has a big presence there, as we seek to work more closely with our progressive allies in the netroots community. Here are some highlights:

• AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler is taking part in a June 17 lunch panel to talk about breaking down economic barriers that keep many Americans from moving ahead, especially young people, women and communities of color. She is joined by communications consultant Anat Shenker-Osorio and hip-hop artist Rha Goddess.

• Minnesota local labor and progressive activists will showcase how they created strong coalitions to elect a Democratic governor in 2010 and move key progressive priorities, including Tax the Rich legislation. ”Working Together: How Coalition Campaigns Saved the Day in Minnesota,” The panel offers a spot of sun in this ugly state legislation session and an opportunity to meet local activists.

• A group of stellar bloggers are joining on a panel, “Countering Hate Speak that Villainizes Workers and Unions,” and offer suggestions for proactive strategies to build a new understanding of unions and collective power. Panelists areMcJoan, DailyKos front-pager, Marcy Wheeler from Firedoglake, John Aravosis at America Blog, Josh Dorner at the Center for American Progress and Susan Madrak, a regular on MSNBC and well-known blogger at Suburban Guerilla and other venues. AFL-CIO Media Director Alison Omens will moderate.

• Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D) from Illinois will join our panel on hands-on strategies for fighting state-level attacks. “Reclaiming Our Middle Class State by State” will include labor and grassroots activists who will discuss what it takes to do successful coalition-building that bridges labor and the broader progressive movement, offer insights into likely challenges ahead and share hands-on strategies for local activists for the battles to come in 2012. Brian Weeks from AFSCME’s Political Action Department will moderate the panel which includes Alex Hanna, teaching assistant from the University of Wisconsin; Cathy Sherwin, AFL-CIO communications staff in Missouri; Lara Granich, Missouri Jobs with Justice director; and Jess Kutch at Change.org.

• Sasha Reuther, grand-nephew of legendary UAW President Walter Reuther, will showcase a documentary he is creating on the three Reuther brothers. “Brothers on the Line,” which will be released later this year, highlights their incredible roles as union leaders, civil rights champions and international labor activists.

• Last, but most critically, we and Working America are bringing back one of the more popular exhibits at the conference with our “Take an Action, Taste a Union Beer” booth. After conference participants take an action for working families, such as signing up with Working America or sharing the Real or Not quiz that highlights some of the bad legislative action this year, they get a taste of a union-made beer, such as Schell’s, Leinenkugel’s and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Or, as we say, Raise Your Glass for the Working Class!

Get the full Netroots Nation agenda here and check back at the Netroots Nation site for live streaming of some panels and major keynote speakers, such as Shuler, Sen. Al Franken and Van Jones. And follow events on Twitter with the hashtag #NN11 .