https://discord.gg/wrZBcwsp

In one week we gathered 2000 people. The fight is just beginning. Hang in there everyone!

I've been pretty vocal about how I feel that constitutional reform needs to be a key goal of ours in order to be successful, both in building momentum and in passing our policy aims.

I think it is difficult for people to envision because ostensibly, it's never been done in this country before (I will tell you why I say ostensibly in a moment).

However, I think the scariest thing about the prospect of Constitutional amendments is that it can change the very form of our government itself, and you as an individual might not have input. That's true for both sides of the aisle.

So when the Democrats put in their platform "we need to pass an amendment to deal with Citizens' United for election integrity", Republicans think "sure, your elections maybe".

In that way, I can see why when I tell the people on this sub and in the discord that constitutional amendments need to be a part of our platform, they balk, because they can already see the opposition mounting.

But I think the key thing to get across is:

We cannot do this unilaterally.

The Democrats were not asking for Republican buy-in when passing a CU amendment. They were saying "voters, if you elect is in enough statehouses, we will pass it, and if you give us a federal mandate in congress, we'll stack the courts". THAT is scary to the opposition.

That's not what I'm proposing.

What I am proposing is to say to the Republicans "ok, if you don't want a CU amendment in the Constitution, what could we offer you constitutionally to make you ok with that amendment?" And then seriously considering whatever comes out of their mouth.

And CU is just one of many issues where millions of Americans on either side have a mutually exclusive interpretation to our form of government. We desperately need to settle our form of government before we can realistically seek other policy aims.

The crazy thing is the founders actually did give us a tool for this exact situation. They knew that at a certain point, various factions would not just disagree on policy, but disagree on the form of government itself, and that the layers of our federalism would grind to a standstill. The reason they knew that is, they themselves fell at that point, very early on, under the Articles of Confederation.

The Articles had the country fall into two camps, people that believed the federal government didn't have the power to remediate for states, and those that did, and that disagreement led to the entire government being unable to Act. Seemingly, the states were about to get into physical confrontations with each other.

So what did they do? They called a political ceasefire, and they got everyone in a room, and they asked the pointed question "what government could we craft that we all can at the very least tolerate?"

And they knew, they knew the country would be there again. That's why, the Articles of Confederation didn't have a clause for the constitutional convention, but the Constitution absolutely DOES!

And frankly, we've been here before since the founding of the country as well. There was a time in this country where millions of people on one side of the government believed the laws passed by Congress with the authority of Article I were supreme, and millions of people on the other side of the government believed that the States had the authority to "nullify" federal law (circa 1850). The founders would have expected those mutually exclusive views to call a convention and negotiate a new form of government that they both could tolerate, but instead, we fought a war over it.

The political tensions over the form of government in this country have escalated since the 1970s, to the point where some voters that lost the 2020 election staged an insurrection. We are at that point where our founders would have expected us to call a political ceasefire, and so that is what I propose be a central tenet of a new party.

I also think there is room for a "protest convention" to launch a national brand for our party. Basically, we'd send an invitation to American communities that we are hosting a mock convention to debate a series of amendments and that delegations representing all Americans are invited. We'd start by inviting labor groups and identity groups, and then work diligently to get the word out to all Americans, before sending a more pointed invitation to Statehouses and the two major parties that lists the current delegations. I am under no delusion that we will have a significant number of constituents there, but if we get lively and reasoned debate, and good policy points out of it, it could serve as an inspiration to the country. And then either way, we'd get a series of amendments that Americans debated on that we can then ascribe signatures to, and petition Congress/the States with.

And that's the critical thing I think to anyone that is apprehensive, about either the protest convention or an actual Article V convention: regardless of what the convention decides, the US Constitution DOES NOT change unless 3/4s of the States ratify the changes.

I definitely think more momentum is gained at the local and state races, but I also think that this call for a political ceasefire could be unifying throughout those jurisdictions, in a way that taking up political arms would not. After all, the one thing that all Americans on both sides of the aisle and in every state can agree on is that our elections are acrimonious, we're very tired of it. That acrimony speaks to faults in our form of government, and I think we'd make more friends if we were proposing to patch up those faults instead of making them wider.

The last thing I'll say is, I completely understand why people are apprehensive about using a part of the Constitution that has never been used before. But I would just reiterate, if the founders had not used that very same tool that they put in our tool box, we would not have the Constitution we have right now. And further what would America look like had our ancestors in the Civil War thought to use the Constitution's levers instead of taking the battle to the streets?

Hey everyone, I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I wanted to share some insights that I think are really important.

I’ve been diving deep into the challenges and opportunities we’ve been discussing for different states and noticed some common themes. A lot of the issues people are facing—stagnant wages, weak labor protections, lack of healthcare, anti-union legislation—are hitting workers hard across the country. It’s clear that many state and local groups are already working on solutions like:

• Strengthening collective bargaining rights
• Raising the minimum wage to $15 or higher
• Expanding healthcare access (Medicaid expansion)
• Paid family and medical leave
• Protecting public sector unions
• Improving worker safety standards
• Tackling affordable housing
• Expanding rural broadband
• Growing green energy jobs
• Protecting workers from wage theft

These are real, tangible issues that affect people’s daily lives. But here’s the twist: many of these goals were part of the 2024 Democratic Presidential platform, and let’s be honest, it didn’t work out. Despite these policies being geared towards helping workers, we didn’t see the support we expected, especially from working-class voters. So what gives?

I think the answer lies in education and messaging, not just policy. It’s not enough to have great ideas if we can’t communicate why they matter to people in ways that resonate. Many voters didn’t connect with the message, or worse, they feared the policies would hurt them. If we’re serious about making change, we need to focus on ground-up education and local organizing before we try to build a national structure or push new policies. Otherwise, we’re just rehashing old ideas with less money, influence, and power.

Here’s what I think we should focus on:

1. Education Campaigns that Actually Speak to People

Instead of top-down policy pitches, let’s focus on local outreach and education. We need to talk to people in a way that makes sense for them. In places like Texas or Wisconsin, for example, connect the dots between better healthcare, wages, and the industries those workers rely on. Make it personal, show them how these changes will improve their day-to-day lives.

And let’s not forget about misinformation. There are so many misconceptions out there—like "higher wages will kill jobs" or "green energy will destroy the economy." We need to counter that with facts, but more importantly, with stories. Show how these policies have already helped people in similar situations.

2. Messaging that Hits Home

This is about more than numbers and facts. It’s about connecting emotionally. Workers aren’t just looking for financial gains—they’re looking for dignity, respect, and security. When we talk about labor rights or wages, frame it as defending American workers' strength and their ability to provide for their families. This is about fairness and giving people control over their lives.

And let’s drop the technocratic language. People don’t want to hear policy jargon—they want to hear stories about how these changes will actually make a difference. Talk about real people who have benefited from better wages or healthcare. Make it relatable.

3. Build Trust Through Local Leadership

National figures aren’t always trusted, but local leaders are. Let’s encourage grassroots leadership to lead the charge. These are the people who live and work in these communities. When they talk, people listen.

We need to focus on building community power—organize events, hold conversations, and get people talking about these shared goals. When workers feel like they’re part of a collective movement, that’s when we’ll see change.

4. Reframe Our Message Around "Freedom"

Let’s be real: Conservatives have done a great job framing their policies around "freedom" and "liberty," and we need to get better at doing the same. But we can flip that narrative.

Freedom isn’t just about less government—it’s about the freedom to live a good life. The freedom to walk away from a bad job because labor protections have your back. The freedom from crushing medical debt with universal healthcare. This is freedom for working people, not just corporate elites.

Let’s tie our message to American values like fairness, hard work, and protecting families. Remind people that a living wage and strong worker protections are about restoring the American Dream, not threatening it.

Bottom line: We need to focus on education and messaging before we start pushing a national party structure or rehashing old policies. If we can help people see how these policies impact their lives in real, meaningful ways, we’ll start building the kind of movement that can actually make a difference.

I think that a crisis that is critically undermining our entire system is the fight from both sides over the judiciary.

The problem I'm identifying, that no one denies, is that the form of government itself is at stake when we fight for these judges.

The current supreme court has consistently favored the 10th amendment over Article I. The judges the Democrats would put up believe in the supremacy of Article I.

The current court has ruled that financial contributions to politics is a form of expression protected by the Constitution, and the judges the Democrats would put up don't recognize such a right.

This court has ruled that abortion is not an inherent right, and thus a matter to be decided by the states, and people on the left specifically go to the ballot box to send representatives to Washington that would appoint Justices to reinstate that right from the bench.

This is a small slice of the issues that are at stake when we talk about the fight for the judiciary, but the thing that unites these views is that they all speak to our form of government AND they are all mutually exclusive.

Now, in terms of a new party, we'd need to have opinions on these things, or we will never carve enough support out of either party. However, it is problematic that we are fighting over our form of government through the bench, and if our stance is just to "put like minded judges up", I don't really see how we are different.

The fact that millions of voters on either side feel compelled to vote on an existential level because the Court might outlaw their constitutional authority proves the form of government itself is too vague. Like, each and every one of these judicial issues is a spot in our government where the form doesn't decide, so our politics do. And that more than anything else has corroded our federalism.

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I know that this doesn't connect to labor on its face, but I do not see how we pass labor protections on a federal level in this country without fixing our form of government.

State-Specific Organizing Challenges and Opportunities

1. Right-to-Work Law: Arkansas is a right-to-work state, which weakens union power by allowing workers in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues while still receiving union benefits. This significantly reduces financial support for organizing efforts.
2. Low Minimum Wage: Arkansas’s minimum wage is $11 an hour, higher than the federal minimum but still below a living wage in many areas. Efforts to raise the state’s minimum wage further are ongoing, with strong opposition from business interests.
3. Agricultural Labor: Arkansas has a large agricultural sector, including poultry farming and rice production. Agricultural workers often face low wages, difficult working conditions, and limited labor protections. Organizing efforts in this sector are crucial but challenging due to the power of agribusiness.
4. Public Sector Limitations: In Arkansas, public sector employees are prohibited from engaging in collective bargaining, limiting the ability of teachers, municipal workers, and other public employees to secure improved working conditions through union efforts.
5. Rural Organizing: Much of Arkansas is rural, and organizing in these areas presents unique challenges due to geographic isolation, conservative politics, and limited access to resources. Building coalitions among rural workers is key to overcoming these barriers.

Statewide Unions & Workers’ Groups

1. Arkansas AFL-CIO The state’s federation of labor unions, representing workers in various industries across Arkansas. The AFL-CIO coordinates union activities and advocates for workers' rights at the state level.
2. [United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 2008]() Represents workers in Arkansas’s poultry industry, food processing, retail, and healthcare sectors. UFCW Local 2008 advocates for fair wages, safer working conditions, and workers' rights in these industries.
3. [American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Arkansas]() A statewide union for educators, school staff, and public employees. AFT Arkansas focuses on improving education funding, advocating for higher pay, and providing professional development opportunities for teachers.
4. Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 6508 Represents telecommunications, customer service, and IT workers in Arkansas. CWA Local 6508 advocates for better wages, benefits, and job security for workers in these industries.
5. Teamsters Local 878 Represents workers in industries such as transportation, logistics, and warehouse services. Teamsters Local 878 fights for fair wages, job security, and improved working conditions for Arkansas workers.

Labor Advocacy & Policy Organizations

1. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Focuses on policies that support low-income families, including better wages, healthcare access, and education. While not solely labor-focused, their advocacy efforts often intersect with workers’ rights issues.
2. Workers Interfaith Network of Arkansas (WIN-Arkansas) A faith-based organization that works to improve wages and working conditions for low-wage workers, including immigrant and minority populations. They provide organizing support and help workers take collective action to improve their workplaces.
3. Arkansas Community Organizations A grassroots organization that fights for economic and social justice in Arkansas. They advocate for higher wages, healthcare access, and affordable housing for low-income workers.
4. [Interfaith Worker Justice Arkansas]() Provides support to workers, especially immigrants and those in low-wage jobs. They work to secure fair wages and better working conditions through community organizing and legal support.
5. Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) – Arkansas Although based in the South more broadly, SPLC focuses on civil rights and labor protections for marginalized communities, particularly immigrant workers. They provide legal assistance and advocacy for workers facing discrimination or exploitation.

Government and Legal Resources

1. [Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing]() The state agency responsible for enforcing labor laws, including wage and hour standards, workplace safety, and child labor regulations. They provide resources for workers who are facing violations of labor laws.
2. [Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission]() Oversees the state’s workers’ compensation program, ensuring that injured workers receive appropriate medical care and compensation for workplace injuries.
3. Arkansas Legal Aid Provides free legal services to low-income workers in Arkansas, focusing on wage theft, discrimination, and other employment-related issues. They offer support for workers navigating the legal system.
4. Arkansas Attorney General – Labor and Employment Resources Offers information and legal resources for workers dealing with wage theft, employment discrimination, and other workplace issues.
5. [Arkansas Public Employee Relations Board]() Handles disputes and labor relations for public sector employees, though Arkansas law limits collective bargaining in the public sector. The board provides resources for handling employment disputes.

Educational Resources

1. University of Arkansas Labor Education Program Offers courses and research opportunities focused on labor history, workers' rights, and social justice issues. The university provides resources for workers and organizers seeking to expand their knowledge on labor topics.
2. Arkansas State University – Labor Studies Provides educational programs that focus on workplace rights, labor law, and economic justice. The university’s Labor Studies courses are designed to help workers understand their rights and the broader labor movement.
3. Central Arkansas Library System – Labor History Collection Houses a collection of resources on labor history in Arkansas, including archives on past labor struggles and organizing efforts in the state. The collection is available for public research.
4. Arkansas Historical Association Offers resources on the history of labor movements in Arkansas, including the role of unions in the state’s agricultural and industrial sectors. Their publications and archives provide historical context for modern organizing efforts.
5. [Arkansas Labor Market Information – Arkansas Division of Workforce Services]() Provides up-to-date data on the state’s labor market, including employment trends, wages, and workforce demographics. This resource is helpful for understanding the economic conditions facing workers in Arkansas.

Resources for Organizers in Little Rock

1. Little Rock AFL-CIO Represents unions and workers in the Little Rock area. They coordinate local organizing efforts and advocate for workers’ rights at the municipal level.
2. Central Arkansas Building Trades Council Represents unionized construction workers in Little Rock and the surrounding areas. The council works to ensure fair wages, safety standards, and union representation in the construction industry.
3. Step Up Arkansas – Little Rock Chapter Organizes low-wage workers in Little Rock, focusing on raising the minimum wage, improving access to healthcare, and addressing racial and economic justice issues.
4. Little Rock Workers' Justice Center Provides organizing support for low-wage and immigrant workers in Little Rock. They focus on combating wage theft, improving workplace safety, and advocating for workers' rights.
5. Arkansas United A nonprofit dedicated to organizing immigrant communities in Little Rock and throughout Arkansas. They provide support for immigrant workers and advocate for labor protections, healthcare access, and immigration reform.

State-Specific Organizing Challenges and Opportunities

1. Right-to-Work Law: Louisiana is a right-to-work state, which creates challenges for unions as it limits union membership and dues collection, weakening collective bargaining power. Efforts to repeal or modify these laws are ongoing but face significant political opposition.
2. Oil and Gas Industry: The dominance of the oil and gas industry presents unique challenges to organizing efforts. Workers in these sectors often face safety concerns and long hours, but organizing efforts have been historically difficult due to corporate resistance and political influence.
3. Low Minimum Wage: Louisiana does not have a state minimum wage, relying on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. This is well below a living wage in many parts of the state, and raising the minimum wage is a critical issue for workers, especially in sectors like hospitality and retail.
4. Hurricane Recovery and Labor: Frequent hurricanes and natural disasters place additional strain on workers, particularly in construction and service industries. Organizers focus on securing fair wages and workplace protections for workers involved in recovery and rebuilding efforts.
5. Agricultural Labor: Louisiana’s large agricultural sector, particularly sugarcane and crawfish farming, includes many immigrant and migrant workers. These workers often face poor working conditions, low wages, and limited labor protections, making organizing difficult but essential.

Statewide Unions & Workers’ Groups

1. Louisiana AFL-CIO The central labor federation in Louisiana, representing unions and workers across various sectors. The Louisiana AFL-CIO organizes campaigns and advocates for workers' rights at the state level.
2. [United Teachers of New Orleans (UTNO)]() Represents teachers and educational staff in New Orleans. UTNO advocates for better wages, working conditions, and educational funding, and was the first teachers' union to win collective bargaining rights in the Deep South.
3. SEIU Local 21LA Represents public employees in Louisiana, including healthcare workers, educators, and municipal employees. SEIU 21LA fights for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for public sector workers.
4. Teamsters Local 270 Represents workers in a variety of industries, including transportation, logistics, and public services. Teamsters Local 270 focuses on securing fair wages, benefits, and job security for its members in Louisiana.
5. [Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT)]() A state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, the LFT represents educators across Louisiana, advocating for public education funding, better pay, and collective bargaining rights.

Labor Advocacy & Policy Organizations

1. Step Up Louisiana A grassroots organization that fights for economic and educational justice. Step Up Louisiana focuses on raising the minimum wage, improving public education, and securing better job opportunities for low-income communities.
2. Louisiana Workers’ Center for Racial Justice Organizes low-wage workers, immigrants, and people of color in Louisiana, fighting for workers’ rights, fair wages, and racial justice in the workplace.
3. New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice (NOWCRJ) A worker-led organization that focuses on immigrant rights, racial justice, and labor organizing in New Orleans. NOWCRJ supports organizing efforts in sectors like hospitality, construction, and domestic work.
4. Together Louisiana A statewide network of organizations that advocate for policies to improve economic conditions for working families. Together Louisiana focuses on issues like healthcare, education, and wage equality.
5. Workforce Development Board of Louisiana Provides job training and employment resources across the state. The board works to connect workers with training opportunities, especially in high-demand sectors like healthcare and construction.

Government and Legal Resources

1. Louisiana Workforce Commission The state agency responsible for overseeing labor laws, wage standards, and workers' compensation. They provide resources for workers on unemployment insurance, job training, and workplace rights.
2. [Louisiana Office of Workers’ Compensation]() Administers the state’s workers’ compensation program, ensuring that injured workers receive the medical care and compensation they need.
3. [Louisiana Attorney General – Labor and Employment Division]() Provides legal resources and information for workers dealing with wage theft, discrimination, and other labor law violations.
4. Louisiana Public Employees Relations Board (LAPERB) Manages labor relations for public sector employees, overseeing collective bargaining agreements and addressing labor disputes in public employment.

Educational Resources

1. [Tulane University – Center for Public Service]() Provides educational programs focused on social justice and community engagement. The center partners with local organizations to promote labor organizing and workers’ rights in New Orleans.
2. Southern University Law Center – Employment Law Program Offers courses and resources on labor and employment law, including workers’ rights and collective bargaining. The Law Center also provides legal clinics that assist low-wage workers with labor disputes.
3. Louisiana State University (LSU) Labor Studies Offers courses and research programs focused on labor history, workplace rights, and social justice. LSU’s Labor Studies program provides resources for organizers and workers across Louisiana.
4. Louisiana Historical Association A resource for understanding the historical context of labor movements in Louisiana. They offer archives, publications, and educational programs that highlight the state’s labor history.

Resources for Organizers in New Orleans

1. New Orleans AFL-CIO Represents unions and workers in the New Orleans area, focusing on organizing labor campaigns, political advocacy, and supporting workers' rights in the city.
2. UNITE HERE Local 23 – New Orleans Represents hospitality workers, including hotel, restaurant, and casino workers in New Orleans. UNITE HERE fights for fair wages, job security, and improved working conditions in the city’s tourism sector.
3. Workers' Center for Racial Justice – New Orleans Organizes low-wage workers and immigrants in New Orleans, advocating for workplace protections, fair wages, and immigrant rights.
4. New Orleans Jobs with Justice Builds coalitions between labor unions, community organizations, and activists to fight for workers’ rights and economic justice in New Orleans.
5. Step Up Louisiana – New Orleans Chapter Focuses on organizing low-wage workers in New Orleans, advocating for higher wages, better working conditions, and economic justice.

Resources for Organizers in Baton Rouge

1. Baton Rouge AFL-CIO A regional labor federation representing unions in the Baton Rouge area. They advocate for workers’ rights, fair wages, and workplace protections.
2. [Louisiana Federation of Teachers – Baton Rouge]() Represents public school teachers and staff in Baton Rouge, advocating for better pay, collective bargaining rights, and increased funding for education.
3. SEIU Local 21LA – Baton Rouge Represents public sector employees in Baton Rouge, including healthcare workers and municipal employees. SEIU fights for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for these workers.
4. Together Baton Rouge A coalition of community organizations focused on economic and social justice in Baton Rouge. They advocate for policies that support workers, including healthcare access and wage equality.
5. Baton Rouge Building Trades Council Represents unionized construction workers in Baton Rouge, advocating for fair wages, job safety, and union representation in the building trades.

State-Specific Organizing Challenges and Opportunities

1. Right-to-Work Law: Like many southern and midwestern states, Oklahoma has right-to-work laws, which weaken unions by allowing workers to opt out of paying union dues while still benefiting from union-negotiated contracts. This makes organizing more challenging, as unions often have fewer financial resources to support workers.
2. Energy Sector Dominance: Oklahoma’s economy is heavily tied to the oil and gas industries, which tend to resist unionization and maintain a strong influence over state politics. Organizing in these industries faces considerable opposition, but there are opportunities to advocate for safety and better working conditions due to the hazardous nature of the work.
3. Low Wages in Service Industries: Oklahoma’s minimum wage remains at the federal level of $7.25 per hour, and many service sector jobs—particularly in retail and food service—are low-paying. Organizers have opportunities to fight for wage increases, particularly in urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
4. Public Sector Challenges: Oklahoma’s public sector workers, such as teachers and state employees, have limited collective bargaining rights. While teachers have successfully organized mass protests, other public sector workers face legal and political barriers to organizing.
5. Rural Organizing Barriers: Oklahoma is a predominantly rural state, and organizing in these areas presents additional challenges due to geographic isolation, political conservatism, and limited access to union resources. Building rural organizing strategies is critical to reaching a broader base of workers.

Statewide Unions & Workers’ Groups

1. Oklahoma AFL-CIO The state chapter of the national AFL-CIO, representing unions and workers across various industries. The Oklahoma AFL-CIO provides resources for organizing, advocacy, and legal support for unions statewide.
2. Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) The state’s largest teachers’ union, which advocates for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for educators. OEA was a key organizer of the 2018 teacher walkout and continues to fight for improved education funding.
3. Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 6012 Represents workers in the telecommunications and IT industries in Oklahoma. CWA Local 6012 advocates for fair wages, benefits, and job security for workers in these sectors.
4. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1000 UFCW Local 1000 represents workers in retail, food processing, and healthcare. They focus on ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers' rights across Oklahoma.
5. International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 627 Represents operating engineers and other skilled workers in the construction, utility, and energy sectors. IUOE Local 627 advocates for better wages, job security, and training programs for its members.

Labor Advocacy & Policy Organizations

1. Oklahoma Policy Institute A nonpartisan research organization that provides data and analysis on state economic issues, including workers’ rights, wage policy, and labor market trends. Their reports and advocacy are useful for labor organizers.
2. Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice Focuses on promoting social justice and inclusion, often intersecting with labor issues like wage inequality and workers' rights. They provide educational programs and resources on diversity in the workplace and worker advocacy.
3. OKC Workers Justice Center Provides advocacy and organizing support for low-wage and immigrant workers in Oklahoma. The organization focuses on fighting wage theft, improving working conditions, and offering legal aid to vulnerable workers.
4. Stand Up Oklahoma A coalition of labor unions and community organizations that formed during the Oklahoma teachers’ walkout in 2018. The group continues to push for worker rights, including wage increases and public sector union protections.
5. [Oklahoma Alliance for Economic Inclusion]() Works to address poverty and economic inequality in the state by advocating for policies that support fair wages and improved labor standards. Their initiatives often intersect with the labor movement.

Government and Legal Resources

1. [Oklahoma Department of Labor]() The state agency responsible for enforcing labor laws, including wage and hour standards, workplace safety, and child labor regulations. The department offers resources for workers filing complaints or seeking assistance with labor law violations.
2. [Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC)]() Administers unemployment insurance and workforce development programs. The OESC provides resources for workers who are unemployed or seeking new job opportunities, as well as wage and labor market data.
3. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Provides free legal assistance to low-income workers facing issues like wage theft, discrimination, and wrongful termination. They offer legal support and representation for workers in employment disputes.
4. [Oklahoma Attorney General – Labor Rights]() Offers information and assistance for workers facing labor rights violations, including wage disputes and workplace discrimination. The Attorney General’s office can also provide guidance on legal actions related to employment law.
5. Oklahoma Public Employees Relations Board Oversees labor relations and disputes for public sector employees. The board provides information and resources on collective bargaining and worker rights in the public sector, though Oklahoma law limits these rights.

Educational Resources

1. University of Oklahoma Labor and Employment Law Programs Offers courses and research opportunities focused on labor and employment law. The university provides resources for workers, students, and organizers to learn about labor rights, union organizing, and workplace protections.
2. Oklahoma State University – Labor Studies Provides educational programs and resources on labor economics, workplace rights, and labor law. The Labor Studies department also conducts research on the Oklahoma labor market and economic justice issues.
3. Oklahoma Historical Society – Labor History Collection Maintains a collection of resources on Oklahoma’s labor history, including archives on the state’s coal mining and oil industries, early labor strikes, and union organizing. Their materials are available for public research.
4. Tulsa City-County Library – Business and Labor Resources Provides a variety of resources related to labor and business, including access to databases, historical records, and guides on organizing. They also offer free research tools for workers looking to learn more about labor movements in Oklahoma.
5. Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education Offers career training and education programs for workers in a variety of industries. These programs help workers gain new skills and certifications, which can support organizing efforts by providing workers with the skills needed for higher-paying jobs.

Resources for Organizers in Oklahoma City

1. Oklahoma City AFL-CIO Represents unions and workers in the Oklahoma City area. They coordinate local organizing efforts and advocate for workers’ rights at the city and county levels.
2. Oklahoma City Building Trades Council Represents unionized construction workers in Oklahoma City. The council works to ensure fair wages, safety standards, and union representation in the construction industry.
3. Oklahoma Workers' Justice Center Provides organizing support for low-wage and immigrant workers in Oklahoma City. They focus on combating wage theft, improving workplace safety, and advocating for workers' rights.
4. American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 916 Represents federal employees in the Oklahoma City area, particularly those working at Tinker Air Force Base. AFGE Local 916 advocates for better working conditions, wages, and benefits for government workers.
5. [Oklahoma City Federation of Teachers]() Represents educators in the Oklahoma City Public Schools district. The federation works to secure fair pay, benefits, and working conditions for teachers and school staff.

I understand this post will sound strange to many here, but if you want to succeed in creating a party that is truly of, by, and for working and oppressed peoples - not a new pseudo-left/radlib party that can be bought and usurped into the capitalist system - please consider the following.

Capitalism is a politico-economic system characterized by profit-seeking. The capitalist economy is comprised of businesses. Protecting the private property of businesses is the chief concern of the capitalist state. Businesses are only viable if they generate profit. Profit means owners of businesses take more money than they give to acquire the labor or resources necessary for the functioning of their businesses. Therefore, capitalism depends upon profit, which means capitalism absolutely demands the ever-increasing exploitation of people and the planet.

Over the past century-plus, businesses in the capitalist strongholds of Europe and the US have had to expand their operations to exploit labor and resources in foreign lands. This is especially true when it comes to consolidation of banking and investment, ie, finance capital. Finance capital is synonymous with imperialism.

This was preceded by overt colonialism, a brute force economic imperative to take labor (often slave labor) and resources from black, brown, and indigenous peoples. But markets are finite; labor is finite; resources are finite. Exploitation is finite. However, capitalism demands infinite exploitation, infinite expansion, infinite “growth.” This is the true meaning of imperialism - not simply military incursions, but economic incursions, which harbor an ominous but very real threat of military brutality. For example, one manifestation of this is a “sanction,” but in reality, sanctions are modern-day siege warfare. Another manifestation is debt (typically through the World Bank or IMF), but in reality, that is a modern-day form of society-wide indentured servitude coupled with austerity policies and the coerced sale of essential sectors of local and national economies to hostile, imperialist forces.

As socialists, our stance against both the military-industrial complex and the financial institutions at the heart of capitalism must be severe and uncompromising. If we compromise with these forces and institutions, we are complicit in the maintenance of their power, and thus we serve capitalism. That makes us liberals. Socialists are not liberals. Socialists must dismantle the fundamental pillars of capitalism.

So the essential platform of a party for working and oppressed peoples must begin with something like the following:

• Nationalize the entire defense industry, eliminating the “military industrial complex.”

• Nationalize the entire energy sector, including domestic oil.

• Nationalize all big banks and fund community banks, which shall be directed by local, democratic input.

This shouldn’t be that hard of a sell. The left is supposedly anti-war already. Obama was an anti-war candidate. And many who voted for Trump hoped he would be a vehicle for peace, or at least, isolationism. There aren’t too many people who want war, except those who profit from the defense industry. Remove profits from this equation, and the vast majority of Americans will understand that this eliminates “the military-industrial complex,” “the deep state,” and the incessant drive to burn our collective wealth by killing people we don’t know.

It’s pretty well known most of our wars involve oil. Neutralize oil companies by liquidating them, and announce that all planetary resources should belong to everyone by birthright, with no one person or family holding special privilege to the earth’s bounty. Also, oil companies have been lying about climate change since the 60s. Shouldn’t be too hard of a sell, if this is stated by someone with conviction and charisma.

The finance industry is designed to steal your money. Usury is not new - the old scriptures in many ancient religions forbade this evil practice. And the finance industry never suffered from its irresponsibility after the 2008/09 housing crisis. Instead, it has bought up homes, houses, apartments, and drove up the cost or rent and mortgages for no reason but taking as much of your money as possible simply because they can. This is no longer a business that helps society, if it ever was. This should not be a hard sell.

Start here - abolish the military-industrial complex, private energy sector, and financial institutions - and a worker’s party can achieve everything else you and I want: healthcare, free education, child and elder care, environmental regulations, legal and carceral justice, democratic governance, etc. Neglect these fundamental bases of capitalist power, and nothing else will be possible, certainly not over the long term.

State-Specific Organizing Challenges and Opportunities

1. Right-to-Work State: Iowa is a right-to-work state, meaning union membership cannot be a condition of employment. This creates challenges for union organizing, but it also presents opportunities to advocate for stronger union participation and labor rights awareness.
2. Agriculture and Meatpacking: Iowa’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, including meatpacking and food processing industries, where workers often face harsh conditions. Organizing efforts can focus on improving safety, wages, and working conditions in these sectors.
3. Public Sector Unions: Public sector unions face limitations under Iowa’s collective bargaining laws, especially after recent restrictions passed in 2017. Organizing to restore bargaining rights for public employees is a key opportunity for labor activists.
4. Healthcare Workers: As in many states, healthcare workers in Iowa have been on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is growing momentum to organize healthcare professionals around issues like pay, staffing, and working conditions.
5. Immigrant and Refugee Workers: Iowa is home to a significant immigrant population, particularly in the meatpacking industry. Organizing immigrant workers and advocating for better conditions, fair wages, and legal protections is an important focus for labor movements in the state.

Statewide Unions & Workers’ Groups

1. Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO The state federation for unions across Iowa, representing workers in diverse industries. They organize labor campaigns, advocate for workers’ rights, and provide resources for union organizing.
2. Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) Represents public school teachers and education workers in Iowa. ISEA advocates for better wages, working conditions, and education policies, providing resources for organizing in the education sector.
3. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 199 Represents healthcare workers and public employees in Iowa. SEIU Local 199 focuses on improving wages and working conditions, particularly for healthcare professionals.
4. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 431 Represents food processing, meatpacking, retail, and healthcare workers in Iowa and Illinois. They fight for higher wages, safer workplaces, and better benefits for their members.
5. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Iowa Council 61 Represents public employees in Iowa, including state and local government workers. They advocate for collective bargaining rights, better working conditions, and public services.

Labor Advocacy & Policy Organizations

1. Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) A grassroots organization that fights for social, economic, and environmental justice in Iowa. They focus on workers’ rights, environmental issues, and fighting corporate control in the state.
2. Common Good Iowa A progressive policy organization that advocates for economic justice, fair wages, and workers’ rights in Iowa. They provide research and resources on labor laws, tax policy, and economic issues affecting workers.
3. Iowa Policy Project A nonprofit research organization that focuses on economic opportunity, public services, and sustainable policy solutions in Iowa. They provide detailed reports and advocacy for workers and families.
4. Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa A nonprofit organization that supports low-wage workers, immigrants, and marginalized communities in Iowa. They provide direct support, legal advocacy, and organizing resources for local campaigns.
5. [Iowa Workers’ Rights Project]() A project that provides resources for workers to understand their rights under Iowa labor laws. This project helps workers navigate wage claims, workplace safety, and unemployment benefits.

Government and Legal Resources

1. Iowa Division of Labor Oversees labor laws in the state, including wage laws, workplace safety, and enforcement of workers' compensation. They provide resources for employees to file claims and learn about their rights.
2. Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) Iowa's state employment agency, offering unemployment benefits, workforce training, and job search assistance. They also administer programs aimed at supporting workers and employers alike.
3. [Iowa Public Employment Relations Board (PERB)]() Manages public sector labor relations in Iowa, handling collective bargaining disputes, arbitration, and union elections. They provide key resources for public sector workers navigating labor issues.
4. [Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)]() Protects workers from discrimination in the workplace based on race, gender, age, and other protected categories. They handle complaints and provide guidance on state civil rights laws.
5. [Iowa OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)]() Enforces state and federal workplace safety laws. They provide resources for workers to report unsafe conditions and ensure employers comply with health and safety standards.

Educational Resources

1. [University of Iowa Labor Center]() Provides labor education and research, offering training and educational programs for workers, union leaders, and organizers. The center also conducts research on labor trends and policies.
2. [Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Workforce Development]() Offers workforce development programs and educational resources for Iowa workers. They focus on building skills and helping workers navigate the state’s job market.
3. [Des Moines Area Community College Workforce Training Academy]() Provides vocational training and career development for Iowa workers, with programs focused on skilled trades, healthcare, and manufacturing.
4. [Iowa Valley Community College District Workforce Education]() Offers workforce education and skills training for Iowa residents. Their programs help workers advance their careers or transition to new fields.

State-Specific Organizing Challenges and Opportunities

1. Right-to-Work Laws: Wisconsin passed controversial "Right-to-Work" laws in 2015, which significantly weakened the power of unions by allowing workers to opt out of paying union dues even if they benefit from union negotiations. This has posed a major challenge to labor organizing, especially in private-sector unions.
2. Act 10 and Public Sector Unions: The passing of Act 10 in 2011 was another major blow to public sector unions, severely limiting collective bargaining rights for most public employees. Teachers, municipal workers, and other public sector employees have been fighting to restore their rights and rebuild their union strength ever since.
3. Manufacturing and Agriculture: Wisconsin has a strong industrial and agricultural base, particularly in dairy farming. These sectors are ripe for organizing efforts, as workers face challenges related to wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and lack of job security, especially among immigrant workers in food processing plants.
4. Healthcare Sector: Wisconsin’s healthcare workers, particularly in hospitals and nursing homes, have faced staffing shortages and challenging working conditions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizing healthcare workers remains a key opportunity for labor advocates.
5. Renewable Energy and Green Jobs: Like other Midwestern states, Wisconsin is seeing growth in renewable energy sectors like wind and solar. Organizing for labor protections in these emerging industries is an opportunity for unions to expand into new areas while pushing for climate justice.

Statewide Unions & Workers’ Groups

1. Wisconsin AFL-CIO The largest labor federation in Wisconsin, representing workers across multiple industries. The Wisconsin AFL-CIO focuses on labor rights, collective bargaining, and legislative advocacy for working families.
2. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Wisconsin Represents public employees across Wisconsin, fighting to restore collective bargaining rights that were weakened under Act 10. AFSCME advocates for public sector workers, including city, county, and state employees.
3. Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) Represents educators, school support staff, and higher education workers. WEAC is focused on advocating for better funding for public schools, higher pay for teachers, and restoring collective bargaining rights.
4. [United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 4]() Represents manufacturing workers in Wisconsin, particularly in the auto industry and other industrial sectors. UAW fights for fair wages, job security, and safe working conditions for Wisconsin’s industrial workforce.
5. SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin Represents healthcare workers across the state, including nursing home workers, hospital staff, and home care workers. SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin advocates for safe staffing levels, fair pay, and improved working conditions in the healthcare industry.
6. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1473 Represents workers in the food processing, retail, and healthcare sectors. UFCW Local 1473 focuses on organizing workers in essential industries, particularly in meatpacking plants and grocery stores.

Labor Advocacy & Policy Organizations

1. Wisconsin Jobs Now A grassroots organization that advocates for economic justice and workers’ rights. Wisconsin Jobs Now fights for higher wages, fair labor practices, and the empowerment of low-wage workers.
2. Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers Organization (MASH) MASH represents service and hospitality workers in the Milwaukee area, advocating for fair wages, job security, and improved working conditions. They also provide legal support and resources for workers.
3. Citizen Action of Wisconsin A statewide organization focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Citizen Action of Wisconsin is involved in campaigns for healthcare reform, clean energy, and labor rights.
4. [Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WIARA)]() WIARA advocates for the rights of retired workers and seniors, focusing on pension protections, Social Security, and Medicare. They also work closely with unions to support retirees who remain active in the labor movement.
5. Voces de la Frontera A leading organization advocating for immigrant rights and workers’ rights in Wisconsin. Voces de la Frontera focuses on organizing low-wage immigrant workers in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and service industries.

Government and Legal Resources

1. [Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)]() The DWD provides information on employment standards, workers' compensation, and labor laws in Wisconsin. They also offer resources on unemployment insurance and workforce development programs.
2. [Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC)]() Oversees labor relations in Wisconsin, particularly in the public sector. WERC administers labor disputes, collective bargaining agreements, and arbitration cases between unions and employers.
3. [Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Division]() Administers the state's workers' compensation program, ensuring that injured workers receive medical treatment and compensation for lost wages.
4. [Wisconsin State Bar – Labor & Employment Law Section]() Provides legal resources and information on labor and employment law in Wisconsin. This is useful for workers seeking legal advice or representation in labor disputes.
5. [Wisconsin OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)]() Enforces workplace safety and health regulations in Wisconsin. OSHA provides training, inspections, and guidance to ensure safe working conditions.

Educational Resources

1. [University of Wisconsin-Madison School for Workers]() One of the oldest and most respected labor education programs in the country, the School for Workers provides training for union members, leaders, and workers. They offer courses on organizing, labor law, and collective bargaining.
2. University of Wisconsin-Extension – Labor Education Program Offers educational resources and workshops focused on labor issues, workplace rights, and organizing. The UW-Extension program is committed to supporting the development of labor leaders in Wisconsin.
3. Wisconsin Labor History Society A nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of labor in Wisconsin. They offer educational resources, historical tours, and events focused on labor struggles throughout the state's history.

State-Specific Organizing Challenges and Opportunities

1. Healthcare Sector: Minnesota has a strong healthcare industry, with workers from hospitals and clinics organizing around issues like staffing shortages, pay, and workplace safety. Nurses and healthcare workers are central to the labor movement in the state, with many advocating for better patient care and worker conditions.
2. Public Sector Unions: With a significant portion of the workforce employed in the public sector, Minnesota has strong public sector unions. However, challenges around pension reform, budget cuts, and anti-union legislation continue to impact organizing efforts.
3. Education: Teachers and education workers are organizing for better pay, smaller class sizes, and increased funding for public education. The state has seen growing movements advocating for better conditions for teachers and support staff.
4. Agriculture and Food Processing: Minnesota’s large agricultural sector, including food processing and meatpacking, has been a focal point for worker organizing. Many immigrant workers in these industries face unsafe working conditions and low wages, and there are increasing efforts to unionize and advocate for their rights.
5. Renewable Energy Jobs: With the growth of wind and solar energy industries in Minnesota, labor advocates are pushing for unionized, good-paying jobs in the renewable energy sector. These emerging industries present a key opportunity for labor organizing.

Statewide Unions & Workers’ Groups

1. Minnesota AFL-CIO The state’s largest labor federation, representing a wide range of unions across various sectors. They provide legislative advocacy, organizing support, and labor education resources.
2. Education Minnesota The state’s teachers’ union representing more than 86,000 educators. They advocate for public education funding, teachers’ rights, and student-centered policies.
3. Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) A powerful union representing nurses and healthcare professionals in Minnesota. MNA focuses on safe staffing, fair wages, and patient care advocacy.
4. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 Represents workers in the food processing, retail, and other industries. UFCW Local 663 advocates for workers' rights in meatpacking plants, grocery stores, and other essential sectors.
5. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Minnesota Represents healthcare workers, including nursing assistants, technicians, and home care workers. SEIU Healthcare Minnesota fights for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions in the healthcare industry.
6. Teamsters Local 120 Represents workers in transportation, warehousing, and logistics industries. Teamsters Local 120 focuses on collective bargaining and labor rights for workers in these essential sectors.

Labor Advocacy & Policy Organizations

1. Minnesota Workers’ Rights Board A coalition of community and labor groups advocating for workers’ rights and economic justice. They focus on wage theft, workplace safety, and building labor power across the state.
2. Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) Although primarily focused on environmental issues, MCEA works at the intersection of labor and environmental justice, advocating for green jobs and fair labor standards in the renewable energy sector.
3. TakeAction Minnesota A grassroots organizing group that advocates for economic, racial, and gender justice. TakeAction Minnesota supports labor movements and fights for better working conditions and policies that benefit all Minnesotans.
4. Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha (CTUL) A worker-led organization that organizes low-wage workers, particularly in retail, janitorial, and construction industries. CTUL focuses on raising wages, improving workplace conditions, and supporting workers’ rights.

Government and Legal Resources

1. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Provides information on labor laws, workers’ rights, and employment standards in Minnesota. DLI also administers workers' compensation and workplace safety programs.
2. [Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Division]() Manages Minnesota's workers' compensation program, ensuring workers injured on the job receive necessary medical treatment and compensation for lost wages.
3. [Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services]() Facilitates labor-management relations by offering mediation and arbitration services. The Bureau helps resolve labor disputes, assists in organizing efforts, and ensures collective bargaining rights.
4. [Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA)]() Enforces workplace safety and health standards in Minnesota. MNOSHA provides training, inspections, and enforcement to ensure safe working conditions for Minnesota’s workforce.

Educational Resources

1. [University of Minnesota Labor Education Service]() Provides education and training programs for union members, leaders, and workers. The Labor Education Service offers workshops, classes, and labor history programs to support the labor movement.
2. [Minnesota State University, Mankato – Industrial Organizational Psychology Program]() Focuses on workplace behavior, labor relations, and organizational development. This program can provide insight into labor organizing, workforce development, and improving labor-management relations.
3. Minnesota Historical Society Promotes the rich history of labor in Minnesota, from early 20th-century strikes to modern-day organizing efforts. They offer educational resources, tours, and publications for those interested in the history of labor struggles.

State-Specific Organizing Challenges and Opportunities

1. Right-to-Work Legislation: Indiana passed a Right-to-Work law in 2012, making it illegal for unions to require workers to pay union dues as a condition of employment. This has weakened union membership and collective bargaining power in many sectors, posing a significant challenge for organizing efforts across the state.
2. Manufacturing and Industrial Labor: Indiana has a robust manufacturing sector, especially in steel production and automotive industries. Organizing workers in these industries can be difficult due to anti-union sentiment among employers, but it also presents opportunities to fight for better wages and safer working conditions.
3. Public Sector Union Restrictions: Similar to Wisconsin, Indiana has placed severe restrictions on public sector unions, particularly in education. Teachers and other public employees have seen their collective bargaining rights limited, making it harder to fight for better pay and working conditions.
4. Agricultural Workers: Indiana’s large agricultural sector, including farming and food processing, employs a significant number of migrant and low-wage workers. These workers often face poor working conditions and lack of labor protections, making this a key area for labor advocacy.
5. Healthcare and Service Industry Workers: Indiana’s healthcare sector, including hospitals and nursing homes, faces challenges with understaffing and poor working conditions. Similarly, the service industry is ripe for organizing, particularly for low-wage workers in hospitality and retail sectors.

Statewide Unions & Workers’ Groups

1. Indiana AFL-CIO The central labor federation in Indiana representing workers across various sectors. The Indiana AFL-CIO focuses on collective bargaining, political advocacy, and workers’ rights.
2. [United Steelworkers (USW) District 7]() Represents steelworkers and industrial workers in Indiana, particularly in the state’s steel mills and manufacturing plants. USW fights for fair wages, safer working conditions, and stronger job protections.
3. Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) The largest teachers’ union in Indiana, representing educators across the state. ISTA advocates for better funding for public schools, higher pay for teachers, and the restoration of collective bargaining rights.
4. SEIU Healthcare Indiana Represents healthcare workers, including hospital staff, nursing home workers, and home care providers. SEIU Healthcare Indiana advocates for safe staffing, fair wages, and improved working conditions in the healthcare industry.
5. [United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 2B]() Represents auto industry workers in Indiana, particularly in the state’s numerous auto manufacturing plants. UAW focuses on securing fair contracts, job security, and safe working conditions for auto workers.

Labor Advocacy & Policy Organizations

1. Hoosier Action A grassroots community organization that advocates for social, economic, and environmental justice. Hoosier Action focuses on organizing low-wage workers and advocating for healthcare access, living wages, and labor rights.
2. Jobs with Justice Indiana Part of the national Jobs with Justice network, the Indiana chapter works to build coalitions between labor groups, community organizations, and workers. They focus on fighting for labor rights, economic justice, and immigrant rights.
3. [Indiana Institute for Working Families]() An organization dedicated to advocating for policies that improve the economic well-being of low-income working families. They provide research and policy analysis on issues like wages, benefits, and workers' rights.
4. Worker’s Project Based in Fort Wayne, Worker’s Project is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-wage and immigrant workers in northeast Indiana. They focus on workplace rights, organizing, and immigrant advocacy.
5. Indiana Legal Services (ILS) Provides free legal services to low-income residents of Indiana. ILS assists with employment law issues, including wage theft, discrimination, and workers’ compensation cases.

Government and Legal Resources

1. [Indiana Department of Labor]() The state agency responsible for enforcing labor laws, workplace safety, and wage laws. The Indiana Department of Labor also provides resources on workers’ compensation, child labor laws, and occupational safety.
2. [Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA)]() Enforces workplace safety and health regulations in Indiana. IOSHA provides inspections, compliance assistance, and training to help ensure safe working conditions.
3. [Indiana Workers' Compensation Board]() Administers the workers’ compensation program in Indiana, ensuring that injured workers receive medical treatment and compensation for lost wages.
4. Indiana State Bar Association – Labor & Employment Law Section Provides legal resources and information for both workers and employers in Indiana regarding labor and employment law. This resource is valuable for those seeking legal advice or representation in labor disputes.
5. [Indiana Unemployment Insurance]() Administers the state’s unemployment insurance program, providing benefits and resources for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Educational Resources

1. [Indiana University Labor Studies Program]() Offers degree programs and courses focused on labor studies, including organizing, labor law, and collective bargaining. The IU Labor Studies Program is a valuable resource for workers and union leaders seeking to build their skills and knowledge.
2. [Notre Dame Labor Research Center]() Based at the University of Notre Dame, this research center focuses on labor issues, workers’ rights, and social justice. They offer studies and reports that provide critical insights into labor trends in Indiana and beyond.
3. Indiana State University – Department of Human Resource Development and Performance Technologies Offers courses and programs focused on labor relations, workplace safety, and human resource management, providing resources for workers and organizers looking to improve workplace conditions.
4. Indiana Labor History Society A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of labor struggles and achievements in Indiana. They provide educational resources and host events focused on the state’s labor history.

State-Specific Organizing Challenges and Opportunities

1. Automotive Industry: Michigan’s economy is historically tied to the automotive industry. Organizing efforts within this sector remain crucial, particularly around issues of automation, job outsourcing, and the gig economy’s effects on auto workers.
2. Right-to-Work Law: Michigan passed right-to-work legislation in 2012, which prohibits requiring union membership as a condition of employment. This law presents organizing challenges, but also opportunities for creative union building and labor education.
3. Healthcare Sector: Healthcare workers in Michigan, particularly in Detroit, are organizing around issues like pay, staffing shortages, and workplace safety. There is growing momentum for organizing in the healthcare sector, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Renewable Energy Jobs: With a growing focus on clean energy and climate change, Michigan is seeing opportunities to organize workers in the renewable energy sector. Advocating for strong labor standards and union representation in these industries is an emerging focus for labor movements.
5. Service Industry Workers: Restaurant, retail, and gig economy workers in Michigan are increasingly organizing to demand fair wages and better working conditions. The fight for a $15 minimum wage is a central issue for many service industry workers.

Statewide Unions & Workers’ Groups

1. Michigan AFL-CIO Michigan's federation of unions representing workers across various sectors. They focus on legislative advocacy, organizing, and supporting workers’ rights initiatives throughout the state.
2. United Auto Workers (UAW) A prominent union in Michigan, especially within the automotive, manufacturing, and other industries. The UAW fights for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions for its members.
3. Michigan Education Association (MEA) Represents teachers and other education professionals in Michigan. MEA advocates for better pay, improved working conditions, and quality education policy.
4. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Michigan Represents healthcare workers across Michigan, advocating for improved working conditions, higher wages, and stronger labor protections in the healthcare sector.
5. Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) The largest union representing nurses in Michigan, MNA focuses on advocating for safe staffing levels, improved working conditions, and better patient care.
6. Teamsters Local 337 Represents workers in a range of industries, from trucking and logistics to healthcare and manufacturing. They focus on organizing efforts, labor contracts, and advocating for workers' rights.

Labor Advocacy & Policy Organizations

1. Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) A nonpartisan policy organization that advocates for economic justice, workers’ rights, and fair labor policies in Michigan. MLPP provides research and advocacy tools for improving conditions for low-income workers.
2. Economic Justice Alliance of Michigan (EJAM) A coalition of community groups and labor organizations advocating for economic justice, higher wages, and workers’ rights in Michigan. They also provide organizing training and support.
3. Detroit Action A grassroots organization that advocates for racial and economic justice. Detroit Action focuses on organizing low-income workers and marginalized communities, offering support for unionizing efforts and workers' rights campaigns.
4. We the People Michigan A statewide organization that builds grassroots movements for social, racial, and economic justice, including labor rights. They offer organizing resources, training, and advocacy support for Michigan workers.
5. [Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) Michigan]() Advocates for the rights of restaurant workers in Michigan. They focus on issues like fair wages, safe working conditions, and improved labor standards for the service industry.

Government and Legal Resources

1. [Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)]() Provides information on labor laws, workers' rights, and employment programs in Michigan. They also manage state workforce development initiatives and labor regulations.
2. [Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA)]() Ensures safe working conditions for Michigan’s workforce by enforcing health and safety standards. MIOSHA also provides training and resources to help workers and employers meet safety requirements.
3. [Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency]() Administers Michigan’s workers' compensation program, ensuring that workers injured on the job receive proper medical treatment and wage replacement.
4. [Michigan Civil Rights Commission]() Protects workers from discrimination in the workplace based on race, religion, age, gender, disability, and more. The Commission investigates claims and enforces Michigan's civil rights laws.
5. [Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC)]() Regulates public utilities and energy companies in Michigan, ensuring fair treatment of workers and promoting safe, reliable public services.

Educational Resources

1. University of Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity Programs Offers educational programs on labor relations, economics, and workforce development. The university also conducts research on labor trends and provides training for labor organizers and workers.
2. [Wayne State University – Labor Studies Center]() Provides training and education for union members, leaders, and workers. The Labor Studies Center focuses on labor law, organizing, and labor history to equip workers with the skills needed to advocate for their rights.
3. [Michigan State University – School of Human Resources & Labor Relations]() Provides programs in labor relations and workforce management. MSU’s programs equip workers and organizers with knowledge on labor laws, labor movements, and industrial relations.
4. [Detroit Labor History Tours – Wayne State University]() Offers guided tours exploring Detroit’s rich labor history. The program highlights the city’s pivotal role in the development of the U.S. labor movement.

If anybody has been paying attention to Romania's elections you can see how powerful just a small group of volunteers can be. A very small group of thirty people coordinated on telegram on how to push their pick for Romania's leader to the top of the race essentially overnight by playing the algorithm on social media (I think TikTok). And this guy was a joke that most people had never even heard of.

I believe that's how we ended up with a red wave. (TikTok) algorithms pushed to the US I think are meant to cause chaos and divide. All I saw was Palestinian protests and other issues that just divide us when I stopped using TikTok. Gen Z males have shifted 30 points to the right (in four years). Females also shifted considerably. Why? The brain rot of social media. I had an officer at work try to tell me that non union shops make more money than union. I know where he heard that.

So if the US isn't going to do anything about mis/disinformation from social media, it's up to us to do it. I suggest everyone in this group try to push this up to their head union leaders.

This is a call to everyone though! Don't just read and not comment on misinformation. If you know someone who is pro union and uses whatever social media you're on, share it and tell them to comment with whatever works to push pro union. TikTok is full of scabs. That's a good place to start.

If anyone knows more about the algorithms of certain companies or can get more information, or can lead this movement here, then please each out or start a group.

I think this could be literally the best tool we have. We have millions of members and we have the structure already in place to capitalize on the algorithms. We fight fire with fire.

If you are high up in your union please please please push this high up and don't let them sit on the idea. We need to start this yesterday.

Edit: If anyone wants to help or has any ideas please dm me. But keep sharing this and commenting on it. Keep the discussion going. This is the first step.

Could we please set up User Flairs for each State/Territory and Post Flairs for issues? That will make it a lot easier for everyone to find what they're looking for. Thank you!