Years ago, I attended a Worker's Memorial Day event in Lorain, Ohio and a steelworker from Local 1104 gave me a gift -- a small, yellow pin depicting a canary. Coal miners used to bring canaries into the mines with them to detect poisonous gas. If the bird died, they knew to clear out. They didn't have a union strong enough or a government that cared enough to protect them.

I've worn that pin on my jacket ever since, as a symbol of all we've done since then to empower workers -- and all the work we still have to do.

To me, the pin isn't just an accessory. It's a reminder of the steelworkers, miners, factory workers, and every person who puts in a hard day's labor to make this country work. No matter your background, your zip code, or what kind of work you do -- all work has dignity, and should be respected and valued.

We finally have a government that’s on the side of workers, and we have a lot to do over the next year to keep it that way. What we’re doing isn’t about just one Election Day -- it’s about long-term progress for working families in Ohio and around the country, which requires year-round activism.

So today, I'm asking you to become a part of the 2022 Canary Club -- a group of dedicated supporters who give a set amount, every month, to keep our operations going strong.

If you can, start your monthly contribution today. Committing to a gift of even $5 a month will help us plan and execute our efforts.

This is a team effort. I count on this movement to spread the message that all work has dignity and to do that, we need a strong base of support that can only come from one place: you.

We can build for the future by laying the groundwork now, organizing, working hard, and never giving up.

Please consider pledging a monthly recurring donation today to help us prepare for 2022 and reach voters in every corner of Ohio and the country.

With gratitude,

Sherrod