State of Indiana’s Post

Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable at work. Politics and religion are intrinsic to people's sense of identity and belonging. Beliefs held that strongly tend to be polarizing if two individuals don't agree. In the workplace, it's vital that everyone can coexist peacefully. Forcing everyone to align with one belief on either topic is bound to cause friction, and the ability to coexist diminishes. There's always space for learning, growth, and acceptance. But not at the expense of someone's values. Great work, Illinois union leaders. #Midwest #UnionLeaders #Unions #Values #Beliefs

Do you have someone somewhat like you representing you in your community, state, or in Washington? Governing published the following post focused on working class legislators. Most Washington politicians are millionaires. In the states, the working class are a miniscule minority. Take a hard look at individuals on your ballots and question their ability to truly serve your interests. Once they get into office, working-class politicians have challenges that their peers often do not. Should more be done to allow for a fairer playing field so that those on main street have their interests served as well as those on wall street? #leadership #politics #constituencies #officeholders #representthepeople https://lnkd.in/eQ7YgB2B

🗓️ Today, on February 1st, we celebrate National Freedom Day, a day of profound importance in the United States. This day honors the signing of the resolution that proposed the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution - a crucial moment in our nation's journey towards eradicating slavery. It's a moment that has deeply influenced our nation's labor history and values. 🤝 The Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board recognizes the importance of providing opportunities that are accessible to all, regardless of background, and advocating for a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and freedom. Read more about Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board • Rapid Response/WARN notices - When a business downsizes or closes • Layoff Aversion - Prevent and minimize unemployment • Recruitment Services - Customized services for your hiring needs • Human Resources - Access to human resources hotline of experts to provide answers to your general HR questions and protect your business from costly fines and penalties 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gmNt5nhp 💡 Let’s consider how we can guarantee that the values of National Freedom Day are reflected in our daily practices. And let's use today to appreciate our freedoms and think about how we can make the world even better. #NationalFreedomDay #WorkforceEquality #SBCWDB #SantaBarbaraCountyWorkforceDevelopmentBoard

Last Thursday evening, 3/21, we and E.A.T. held a Racial Unity Dialogue with Black and Brown workers at the Westside Justice Center, 601 S. California Ave. Twenty workers gathered together - twelve Black workers and eight Latinx/immigrant workers heard each other's stories, connected, & reflected on our common oppression. They listened to a brief presentation on the issue of jobs by Kevin Johnson, Lead Organizer of Working Family Solidarity (WFS) and Maurice Woodard (Organizing Director of E.A.T.) to begin the Dialogue. Four participants formed a panel and responded to the presentation, which was followed by an open dialogue. Some of the points that were touched on during the evening: --Low-income Black and Latinx/immigrant workers are both desperately struggling to survive, but we rarely view each other as allies. --We compete with each other for low-wage jobs with no benefits. --A few participants noted that it's the first time they sat down and heard other workers' (from other races/ethnicities) stories, & got to know others a little bit. --Black workers are usually locked out of certain jobs, while Latinx workers are often preferred for especially difficult and dangerous work. --Several participants said they are willing to find ways to support workers of other races and ethnicities. --Numerous WFS members asked if they can participate in our next Racial Unity Dialogue. WFS & E.A.T will continue with these Dialogues in 2024, bringing together Black and Latinx/immigrant workers to talk with each other, learn from each other, and find ways to be stronger together as we struggle for economic stability and against racism. Working Family Solidarity would like to thank the Grand Victoria Foundation, and Healing Illinois (via the Field Foundation). Links to websites: Equity And Transformation (E.A.T.):  www.eatchicago.org Grand Victoria Foundation:  www.grandvictoriafdn.org Healing Illinois at the Field Foundation:  https://lnkd.in/eTTHbes8

On #WorldDayForSocialJustice let's continue to work together to build more equitable and fairer workplaces and societies. Social justice cannot be attained without respect for human rights and foundational freedoms.

I had the pleasure of attending this panel discussion on the importance of social workers' voices in policy and political action. The discussion helped me recognize and appreciate the diversity within our profession and our potential to make an impact. It was inspiring to see MSWs who hold political office and hear their insights on the importance of having a voice in decision-making and finding a balance between competing values in the legislature. Senator Meyer made a great point about social workers. There are no barriers to leadership roles for social workers. In fact, we are better prepared for this type of work than any other profession. We are trained in three things needed to succeed in politics -- 1) individual psychology, 2) group dynamics, and 3) systems theory. A good government should look like the people it serves. Yet, nothing can be done alone, and we understand that to affect real change, we must advocate for systems change. The most important lesson I learned was this: Social work is a political profession. I thank North Carolina Central University and the speakers for encouraging my education and empowerment in this profession.

According to a 2023 survey, approximately 39% of U.S. private sector companies recognize Juneteenth as a paid company holiday. The number of private sector companies recognizing Juneteenth is projected to continue growing, with an estimated increase of 10-15%. This expansion demonstrates the increasing acknowledgment of Juneteenth and its importance among businesses of all sizes. - Next Level Benefits

"Employment is life-changing, and not just for the individual. It's the pebble in the middle of the pond that ripples out. As board chair, I look forward to advancing New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID)'s mission and creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce throughout New York State." Read the full article by Port Washington News: https://lnkd.in/er_sEype

“The rate of recidivism in Colorado is too high. We’re not even in the top half in U.S.” - Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General's Office . I recently had the privilege of attending The Colorado Fair Chance Hiring Initiative beautifully put together by LATINO COALITION FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP in my hometown of Colorado Springs. The vision of this event was to mobilize employers who are dedicated to fair chance hiring so that justice impacted individuals can connect to career pathways that provide a livable wage. I had a front row seat to thoughtful (and at times emotional) panel discussions between employers, Colorado Department of Corrections, and foundational CBO’s all focused on catalyzing employment opportunities for those reentering society after finishing their prison sentence, which will: Reduce Recidivism, Improve Public Safety, and Boost Colorado’s Economy. A HUGE shoutout to my former colleague, Jamil Cooks, for hosting and promoting this incredible event & to Dina Gamboa for the contagious passion she brings to her work with incarcerated individuals prior to their release from correctional facilities (and for introducing me to the AG!) My takeaway? Colorado is INVESTED in equipping justice-impacted communities with the tools & resources they need to be successful in their life on the outside of the walls. #FairChanceEmployment #Justice40 #SocialJustice #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityBasedOrganizations #ItTakesAVillage #EconomicMobility #Empowerment #Equity