NationBuilder

As fall is in our midst -- and as we are heading to Tennessee for our annual Fall Training of Trainers -- we are excited to share updates on what our community has been up to as we continue to fight for economic and social justice nationwide. Our UFE community has made great strides alongside our partners as we advocate and seek change. Thank you for the continuous support and joining us in working for a fair and inclusive economy for all.

Direction Action Gets the Goods

Durham Sanitation Department workers went on strike for 6 days as they rallied against their low wages. UFE alongside UE150 have supported the Durham workers during their fight for fair pay. Read more about the Durham Workers and their protests in our blog!

90 Seconds of Movement Building with UFE

UFE’s Executive Director and Senior Popular Educator, Jeanette Huezo was highlighted as an inspirational and accomplished leader committed to social change.

Jeanette Huezo Lauded as an Inspirational Leader

UFE Welcomes New Staff and Intern:

Recently, UFE’s team has expanded with two program staff and one intern. Read this welcome blog to learn more about UFE’s inclusive economies project director: Kayan Cheung-Miaw, Director of Economies: Ana Delia Espino, and UFE’s intern: Gabrielle Dominique

Lessons from the Field

The Southern Workers’ Assembly and the UFE- coordinated Raising Wages NC coalition hosted a virtual panel discussion with new and former organizers. The panel was used as a tool so new and former organizers can learn and connect each other as worker leaders in order to strengthen the labor movement. From our panelists we heard about the challenges faced by domestic and farm workers who have been excluded from basic labor protections.

NC Workers' Organizing: Lessons From the Field

Announcements:

SEIRN's Hummingbird institute
UFE collaborated with Southeast Immigrant Rights Network (SEIRN) at the Avila Center on September 8-9th, 2023. The Hummingbird Institute initiative, part of Southeast Immigrant Rights Network, is in partnership with Blueprint NC, NC Collaborative for Strong Latinx Communities and United for a Fair Economy. The initiative brought grassroot immigrant leaders from the Southeast together to help strengthen their leadership and organizing skills.
TPS Coalition:

Last month, UFE executive director, Jeanette Huezo, led a one-day training for long-time partners, the TPS Boston Committee, part of the National TPS Alliance. TPS Boston Committee is getting organized to continue their fight for permanent status in the US – learning how a board works and identifying who will take on specific roles and responsibilities, preparing for a long campaign.
The UFE Fall Training of Trainers at Highlander Center:
UFE’s annual Fall Training of Trainers at the historic Highlander Research and Education Center was held from Thursday, November 9th to Sunday November 12th, 2023. The event prioritized using and practicing the popular economic education methodology, language justice, and healing for liberation to help create a deeper understanding of the world we envision and are co-creating. The theme for this retreat was based on a reflection of the times we are in. Participants were emerging and established leaders from community partner groups in North Carolina, Alabama, Boston, Arkansas, Maine and beyond.

UFE's Video Series Featuring the Voices of Low-wage Workers, Below the Line, now in Alabama
UFE presents a video series on low-wage workers in Alabama titled “Below the Line in Alabama.” The first 2 videos in this 5-part series highlight Cristobal, an immigrant from Oaxaca working two jobs from 4am to 5pm and Marcelo, a construction worker willing to learn any trade for gainful employment. Each video in this series dives into the lives of these individuals. You’re invited to watch the series as we share behind-the-scenes moments, personal testimonials, and the progress of our campaign" with the words at UFE's Facebook page or on our Instagram.