Reflections on Organizing: Lessons Learned and Personal Benefits

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In this chapter, the speaker reflects on the lessons learned and personal benefits gained from a failed attempt at organizing. They discuss the sense of solidarity and support that comes from being part of a movement, as well as the feeling of self-respect and dignity that comes from engaging in actions that help others. They emphasize the importance of valuing these feelings and the empowerment that comes with acting on behalf of others.

If the ongoing television writers' and actors' strikes -- and other labor organizing efforts happening across the world -- have been on your radar, this is the episode for you. It's also for you if you are a fan of weekends. Or social security. Or health insurance. Or if you're anti-child labor! Because all of these aforementioned workplace protections exist thanks to the advocacy of labor unions. In this episode, American political scientist Margaret Levi shares the long history of organizing labor, and explains how unions create equality and protect worker rights. Margaret also discusses her optimism about today’s young workforce and why she believes that an equitable future requires a revival of the labor movement.

This is an episode we released last year but it feels more relevant than ever as we celebrate Labor Day today in the United States. We hope you enjoy it!

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