WOMEN’S CAUCUS: Evolving Our Industries

Valerie King, Chair, Women’s Caucus

We can’t fight tomorrow’s battles with today’s resources. As we move forward, our focus remains on grassroots efforts — the foundation for building back our union stronger. This begins with advocating to grow our union through collaboration on all levels — nationally, locally, and regionally. Our formula for success is an all-hands-on deck, boots-on-the-ground approach.

“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”

Change begins with each of us. Who are we waiting for? What are we waiting for? You are the change, so take the steps needed to forge a path that inspires and cultivates more leaders.

Organizing the unorganized and community activism will shape the future of our industries. This shared vision enables us to develop strategic growth plans while elevating our collective perspective and evolving our industries. Progress is everything! In unity there is strength, in strength there is power, in power there is change. As our sister Dolores Huerta so eloquently said, “Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”

Many of us struggle with an analysis of paralysis. Stop over analyzing. Paralysis of the analyses leads to inaction. Stop waiting for the perfect opportunity. Stop waiting and start acting. Comfort is easy, but growth begins at the end of our comfort zone. We have a responsibility to leave a legacy that raises the standards of working people.

If not us, then who? “The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress,” said Martin Luther King, Jr. Let’s recommit ourselves to being rooted in a legacy of leadership, creating a seat at the table, and seeking opportunities to elevate tomorrow’s working class.