Walking Home from the Presidential Debate

Last night the AFL-CIO sponsored a Presidential Forum here in Chicago. 15,000 union members and their families watched 7 presidential hopefuls discuss issues important to working families. When I signed up for this internship, I never expected having the opportunity to walk a picket line with two (and counting!) candidates or attending an actual debate. For a political junkie like myself, these added perks have really added to this experience. While I will resist the temptation to offer my own thoughts, insights, and analysis of the debate and the 2008 race, perhaps the most profound experience of the whole evening occurred on the walk home. Walking back to the office after grabbing dinner, several of the organizers and myself passed one of the hotels represented by Local 1. One of the doormen came out of the hotel because a customer was arriving and, noticing all of us in our UNITE-HERE t-shirts, proudly proclaimed "We're UNITE-HERE!" and then gave one of the organizers a fist-five (is that what you call a high-five with fists?). The moment was completely spontaneous and seeing the genuine pride he held from being part of the union completely made my day, presidential debate and all.

no picket line for us!

Last couple of says, we have been busy, not with actions, but with the educational materials we have been developing for the religious community in Phoenix area. We have been having interviews with community leaders and a curriculum coordinator. Finally we decided to come up with a study guide for the religious community. We have been writing papers on the common themes that came up from the interviews and meetings.

John Edwards walks the picket line

Today at the Congress Hotel Picket line Senator (and presidential candidate) John Edwards stopped by. Granted, he only stayed about 10 minutes and only walked around a few times, but it's still good for these candidates to stop by. It gives the strike more publicity, and it's important for these influential people to show their support. We had a great time making some noise and there were probably about 100 people there. Barack Obama came a couple weeks ago (unfortunately I missed it) and I heard he stayed a bit longer than Edwards. Here's a picture of Edwards during his mini-speech (taken on my cell so not the greatest quality)....and don't forget to tell all your friends if they come to Chicago to NOT stay at the Congress!!! http://www.congresshotelstrike.info/

Wind in my sail

I would like to second the importance of momentum especially in the organizing area. My spirit always gets re-energized when I find people in the community who will take the initiative to work for justice and build community. Each day this week I have met people who have been excited about the creation of the worker center that they will make presentations and pass out flyers on behalf of the center!

The humidity has had the ability to reduce the spirit and to just focus the needs of my own self-interest. Instead the will of God is not letting me quit earlier or take things at a comfortable pace. I have to remember that every little positive relationship that has been built is a victory for the center because this expands our network of members within the community.

Inspiration

Today I watched as one of the key leaders (ie. food service worker) practically led a meeting all by himself. It was amazing to watch how far he had come. I remember meeting him just 4 weeks ago and he said he didn't think he'd have too much time to meet with clergy with us, but that he'd try. Try he has! He is a strong leader, and an excellent speaker. He spoke about food service workers much better than I could have and definitely gave me inspiration as we keep on meeting with more and more clergy for endorsements. In just 3 weeks we have nearly 40! Meaning we will definitely surpass our goal for the summer of 50. Yay!

Back in the proverbial "saddle"

Texas in July is best described as "miserably hot." I know this because my denomination's General Assembly took place last week, so I got a week long break from the internship to enjoy Texas in July. Needless to say, I find amazing truth in the Genesis passage that reads, "When in Texas during July, God created air-conditioning and called it Good." The downside of such a break (besides the heat...) was a disruption in my work with the union. Much of the momentum I had built up over the last several weeks dissipated because of the break and the last few days has been a concerted effort of getting caught up on the status of various campaigns and remembering where I was in my own work before my Texas vacation.

This experience powerfully demonstrates the importance of momentum to any movement in general and to community organizing in particular. Success and rewarding experiences on the job accumulate into powerful positive forces that drive your work and push you forward. One is often unaware of the role momentum plays in one's drive, but becomes acutely aware once the momentum is lost. The task now is to catch it again and continue to move forward. Thankfully, Saturday brings another presidential candidate to town and the opportunity to once again get behind the bullhorn!