Empowering Workers in Their Workplaces and Communities
We are studying Tom Frank’s latest book, Listen Liberal, in preparation for his visit on March 25. The Workers’ Project will host Tom Frank for a delightful evening featuring local favorite foods for appetizers, a lecture, and a drawing. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Workers’ Project office at (260) 483-3355 and online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-author-tom-frank-a-fundraiser-tickets-32515125616
Our democracy, economy, politics, institutions, and civil society seem to be unraveling
And what are you going to do about it?
How about we work our way out of this mess? Together. From right here. From the bottom up. It will take some money and plenty of work. Are you in?
The Workers’ Project starts by asking the fundamental questions. “What do you like about living and working here that you don’t want to see changed? What don’t you like about working and living here that you’d like to see improved?” We listen carefully, scientifically, conduct some research, get folks together, sort through the results, and then set the stage for changing things. It is a process of collective self-education and collective action. Educate to organize and organize to educate. Present, re-present.
After years of experimentation and forays, we’ve now formed semi-autonomous work groups. We call them workers’ circles or workers’ hubs. Either name, it is where research and education by widely varied people like you leads to action. Here are a few of our groups—and we need your help.
Economic Development Accountability
Purpose: Research Economic Development practices and develop standards of accountability
Actions: 1). Research and Evaluated Compliance Practices 2). Educate Public about GASB 77 3). Develop Standards of accountability
Representational Research
Purpose: Social science research of, by, and for workers intended to help workers find voice and power
Actions: 1). Documentary movie production 2). Annual survey of unemployed and anxiously employed 3). Assist groups of workers develop their own research tools for collective self-representation
Workers’ Education
Purpose: develop and provide worker and community education programs
Actions: 1). Race/Gender/Culture/Class series 2). How to make your workplace better without getting fired 3). Public Meeting Participation 4). Economics for people
Hispanic Workers’
Purpose: Spanish-speaking workers representing their collective interests at work and in labor market
Actions: 1). Map Spanish speaking labor market in NE Indiana 2).Catalog labor market pathologies 3). Help workers address their collective problems
Burmese Workers’
Purpose: Burmese-speaking workers representing their collective interests at work and in labor market
Actions: 1). Map Burmese Speaking labor market in NE Indiana 2). Catalog labor market pathologies 3). Help workers address their collective problems
Events
Purpose: Produce and direct public education events and fund raisers
Actions: 1). Tom Frank Events March 25 & 26 2). Workers’ Project Movie April 3). Labor Day Picnic
Legal
Purpose: Provide legal and paralegal support as needed for other circles
Actions: 1). Legal round-table colloquium in March 8 2). Legal research 3). Legal consultation
Others circles in development include: workers with disabilities, children’s issues, communications….
Interested in knowing more? Email wpi@workersproject.org or phone 260-483-3355
The Workers’ Project is working actively to promote the interests of all working people. You can find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or see what Barbara Ehrenreich has to say about us in the New York Times.