Listening to Community Voices

Worker perspectives should inform the economic decisions that impact their lives because they know their circumstances, challenges, and opportunities best. EPIC founder Michael Tubbs explains that, when we listen to workers, we hear that they want “a seat at the table so they can work free from fear, be treated with dignity, and be paid enough to afford basics like food, housing, healthcare, and education.” Read more from EPIC here. 

The Just San Bernardino Collaborative (Just SB) applies this approach to community development in the Inland Empire to build a more inclusive economy. “Community-led, collaborative efforts like ours take time and aren’t always smooth sailing, but with determination and support, they will create the conditions for everyone to achieve economic mobility and, moreover, will strengthen democracy.” Read more about Just SB’s efforts here. 

Creating more inclusive workplaces

We can realize the full potential of all workers when we support those who have been traditionally excluded from economic opportunity. RespectAbility describes how philanthropy can champion accessible workplaces that embrace the contributions of people with disabilities. “Through strategic and targeted investments, grantmakers can act as catalysts for change, fostering a business landscape where the talents of individuals with disabilities are recognized, valued, and integrated into the fabric of the workforce.” Read more from RespectAbility’s Executive Director, Ariel Simms, Esq. 

Women in Nontraditional Employment Roles (WINTER) pushes us to rethink the construction industry and recognize the skills women can bring to jobs that men have traditionally held. “If we invest in training programs for women to get into nontraditional careers, such as construction and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), we will realize the benefits of global competitiveness, closing gender wage gaps, increased diversity and inclusion, and a robust workforce.” Read the full piece from WINTER here.  

On the harmful practice of wage theft, Chinese Progressive Association and the Irvine Foundation write about the importance of worker organizing to ensure that the protections legislation offers are actually enforced. “When advocates, like worker centers, have the support they need, they have been extremely successful at making the case for a strong and capable government that protects workers and holds employers accountable.” Read more about philanthropy’s role in preventing wage theft here. 

Black workers face unique barriers and injustices in the workplace, experiencing discrimination and barriers to advancement, in addition to other violations of workplace rights. Dr. Nosakhere Thomas of the Inland Empire Black Worker Center writes about the critical role worker centers play in providing “a platform for Black workers to organize and advocate for their rights and interests, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for advancement.” Read the full piece from Dr. Thomas here.