Interesting report on labor-community collaborations

Posted by on March 7, 2003

[Comm-Org]

From: “Peter Dreier”

Anyone interest in union and/or community organizing will be interested in a new report, “Forging Closer Ties: Case Studies of Labor’s Role in Progressive State Coalitions,” commissioned by the State Strategies Fund. To get the report, go to this website and then click on “State Strategies Fund,” and its there: http://www.proteusfund.org. The report analyzes the role that unions play in five statewide progressive coalitions, and suggests ways to improve collaboration between labor and other progressive constituencies in the future. A study of labor’s role in state-based progressive coalitions is timely for several reasons. The political and economic climate nationally, and within the states, underscores the need for effective, broad-based collaborative efforts to defend and expand the rights of working people, the poor and all who are affected by budget crises, social service cuts, declining wages and benefits, and unemployment. The labor movement’s growing commitment to organizing and greater political action increases the opportunities to forge stronger relationships between unions and an array of other progressive organizations.

The report could be useful in various courses and for discussion groups dealing with how unions can forge links with faith-based groups, community groups, housing groups, and others. Hard copies of the report are available from: Susan Chinn, Program Officer, State Strategies Fund, 6712 Tildenwood Lane, Rockville,
MD 20852-4320. Email: schinn@comcast.net.