Solidarity means unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest. Feeling solidarity is important for establishing a sense of belonging, comradery and compassion. Have you felt solidarity with your family, a team, or perhaps your union brothers and sisters?
I recently attended the Coalition of Labor Union Women’s (CLUW) 50th anniversary conference where I networked with union women from all over the country and attended educational workshops. At a session on leadership, we were asked to write about the first time we had felt solidarity. When it came time to share our writing, some reported feeling solidarity at a march they had taken part in, others, a strike vote, picket line or at conferences such as the one we were attending. One woman spoke of losing her daughter and the strength and solidarity she had received from her union brothers and sisters who stood by her side through the funeral and the tough days afterward.
For me, it was while I was in college. As part of a women’s studies class, we organized a march around campus to help draw attention to areas of campus that were unsafe for women. We took to the streets, chanting and shouting about the change we wanted to see. We all stood for the same common goal. Seeing other women join in from their apartments and dorm rooms really made me feel like I was a part of something much larger — like I could accomplish anything. “What do we want? More lights! Where do we want them? Here!” Drawing attention to dark spots on campus and seeing campus leaders take notice and make changes was empowering.
While we all may be able to recall a past time when we felt solidarity, it is something we can strive to help our members feel all the time. We can show our union brothers and sisters that we are in this together, and they are not alone. We can help them recognize that we are all fighting for the same common goals.
You don’t have to wait for a big event to make others feel included. Simple actions can help build unity. Start by showing up for your members and listening to their concerns, no matter how small they may seem. Be there for them in good times and bad. Be part of your union brothers’ and sisters’ lives both inside and outside of the workplace.
I encourage everyone to remember the very first time you felt solidarity and help spread that positive feeling of unity throughout your local union.