Tech 1010 Newsletter - Issue 49
In No Shortcuts, Jane McAlevey begins with a list titled “1199’s Advice to Rookie Organizers.” The fourth point on this list states: “The union is not a fee for service, it is the collective experience of workers in struggle.” This reminder is profound. The union is not a mere transactional relationship where we pay dues for services rendered; it is the shared effort and solidarity of workers united in their pursuit of justice.
This principle challenges the very systems we navigate daily—systems that reduce our lives to a series of exchanges, equating time spent with wages earned, and, in doing so, perpetuating a cycle of busyness that leaves us overwhelmed and reactive. When we are caught in this cycle, we lose the space to be proactive, to plan, and to strategize.
Each of us possesses unique interests, talents, and expertise, and these can be channeled into focused, achievable actions. We don’t have to do everything, and we shouldn’t try to. Real progress is made when we recognize that our contribution doesn’t have to be all-encompassing; instead, it is about identifying our own role within the broader movement. This doesn't mean shirking responsibility—it means finding where we can best contribute, and connecting with others to share in that work.
Ultimately, all we can do is the next right thing. The struggle is continuous, but we move forward one step at a time, with intention and solidarity. So, let’s get to work.
In solidarity,
Danielle, Mary, and RV (L1010 Staff)
