Labor
Four years ago, United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Labor team organized a Labor Roundtable, where community, labor and faith-based leaders gathered to brainstorm solutions to our region’s most pressing needs. Four months ago, this gathering energetically relaunched as Labor in Action (LiA).
Now, the Labor team has reconvened stakeholders once again for another LiA to discuss progress and envision a 90-day plan of action at the Utility Workers Union of America Local 223.
“Labor and United Way share a long, proud history built on simple but powerful belief that working families deserve dignity, opportunities and a better future,” said Juanita Ray, president of Utility Workers of America Local 223. “Our partnership is more than just tradition, it is action.”
The panel of community leaders included labor advocate Rick Blocker, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 26 president Schetrone Collier, Principal of Thompson K-8 International Academy Porsha Eubanks, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dr. Louis Forsythe II, Women in Skilled Trades’ Shukri French and United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 7 Recording Secretary Lynda Jackson.
Read on for the top three takeaways from this inspiring event.
1. TAP THE RIGHT ROOMS
LiA provides space for leaders who operate in different fields to network and fill gaps. Founder of the Cody Rouge Community Action Network Alliance (CRCAA), Kenyetta Campbell, attended for the first time for that very reason.
“I came to network— it’s especially good to connect with unions, since we haven’t had that major connection, and we do so much youth development work,” said Kenyetta. “In order to make change, you can’t do that alone, you need people with like-minded ideas about change to leverage resources.”
CRCAA is a living example of the power of partnership. Not only does CRCAA operate as a Tech Hub for Connect 313; for four years, United Way funded their High HOPES Program to help at-risk youth with career development. CRCAA has also received donations of menstrual hygiene products from United Way’s Community Fulfillment Center.
Together, we’re working to ensure local families have access the items they need. The Community Fulfillment Center Director, Chris Taylor, spoke on their seamless distribution of basic needs items, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, household items, furniture and more.
“We provide these items in support of our partners, our community members, and wholeheartedly to reduce everyone’s bottom line,” said Chris. “If you are aware of any resources that your community members or organization could benefit from, please feel free to reach out to us.
“Our most sought out items have been undergarments and clothing for local students— if you have donations, please feel free to contact me directly to get those resources in the hands of community members that desperately need them.”
Since 2021, over 4 million items have been distributed by the Community Fulfillment Center, totaling a value of more than $17 million. Thanks to an immense partner network, 366 local organizations received these donations.
2. ORGANIZE AND MOBILIZE
As a speaker at LiA, United Way’s Director of Advocacy Lauren Marks shared recent accomplishments and called attendees to collective action.
“At United Way, we believe that policy is advanced through partnerships, and that’s a core element of what we do,” said Lauren. “One of the most important partnerships that we have is with Labor, so thank you all for everything that you do in collaboration with us.”
Currently, United Way’s Advocacy team collaborates with partners for Water Affordability, Healthy School Meals for All, Maternal Health Equity, expanding Michigan Reconnect, protecting SNAP, finding funding for Medicaid and protecting Voter Rights.
“I believe that the number one thing that we need to align ourselves with this year is regarding voter suppression,” said Dr. Forsyth. “It’s going to take a collaborative effort of all of us working together to make sure that it does not happen, to stand in the trenches of what we believe is right, and whatever it costs, not bend the knee.”
Attendees were trained on what to look for when signing petitions and mobilized to connect with their legislators on the issues that matter to them.
“The biggest piece of this all is being able to organize, to be able to mobilize and get people out to where they need to go,” said Lynda. “Society is doing what society is doing, but what are we willing to do to fight back?”
3. ALWAYS CENTER THE COMMUNITY
LiA reminds us that community should be centered when making sustainable change. To provide families with resources, it’s crucial to eliminate any obstacles.
“If you want to reach the community, go to where the community is,” said Principal Eubanks. “Bringing service organizations directly onsite to schools is the best way to form that community, build those relationships and eliminate those barriers.”
Community feedback is a critical way to understand how to best provide resources. Multiple panelists spoke to the importance of honoring the community’s voice.
“I really believe in hearing from the community and having some listening sessions where we don’t go in and talk— we go in and listen,” said Rich. “We’d hear what people’s problems are, what they need and what is important to them.”
Participants were encouraged to take small, immediate action to keep the momentum going after the event.
“A small, sustainable goal that you all should strive for is to build community,” said Lynda. “Don’t treat your neighbors like they’re strangers, because ultimately, when you’re together, you do better.”
Want to build community with us? Find a volunteer event on our portal.
