

It Could Happen Here Weekly 178
14 snips Apr 19, 2025
Spencer Jordan, a rank-and-file member of the Urbanor Workers Union, discusses the ongoing union strike that is shaking the foundations of workplace dynamics. He reveals the emotional toll of prolonged negotiations and management's resistance, highlighting the vital role of community solidarity in the fight for fair labor practices. Spencer shares insights on the power of collective action, the challenges of organizing in non-profits, and the broader implications of strikes for democratic workplaces, all while emphasizing the importance of worker rights and dignity.
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Long-Term Mentorship Challenge
- Friends of the Children is a nonprofit mentoring kids for 12.5 years starting in kindergarten.
- Mentors provide deep emotional support and help youth navigate structural challenges over a decade.
Emotional Toll on Mentors
- Mentors absorb the trauma and structural violence experienced by the youth they serve.
- This emotional labor makes sustaining long-term commitment incredibly challenging.
Pay and Turnover Impact Youth
- Low pay causing frequent turnover disrupts trust essential to the mentoring model.
- Youth experience attachment trauma when mentors leave and gaps in support occur.