What’s the biggest lesson you learned?
“Listening. Organizing is really driven by listening. A good leader is leading the people they’re listening to; amplifying and uplifting what they’re saying. The power of listening and being able to put yourself aside, recognizing that if you can’t do that, you shouldn’t be an organizer.” – Keila Zamora Menjivar
This summer Students for Economic Justice (SEJ) interns participated in campaigns to organize and engage union workers, tenants, youth, transit riders, environmental justice communities, and build collective solidarity with high school students in East County. Interns spent 3-4 days a week with community based organizations and unions getting first-hand experience working on an organizing campaign. Interns spent training days learning from community and labor organizers.
A highlight of the summer was touring Chicano Park led by the Aztlan Youth Brigade as they talked about the impact that community organizing and action have brought to Barrio Logan.
Interns also had the chance to watch “Linda and Carlos: A Chicano Love Story” and hear directly from Linda and Carlos LeGerrette about their work with the United Farm Workers (UFW), how they came to be involved in workers’ rights, and creating the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs. The SEJ interns participated in protests and pickets in solidarity with flight attendants, supported union organizing efforts, connected with tenants in Imperial Beach about their rights, collaborated on research and communications for their sites, and hosted meetings and listening sessions in communities impacted by environmental racism.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this year’s SEJ cohort and the closing of the 2024 Students for Economic Justice (SEJ) Program!
We are so happy that we could spend this time with our interns and to share knowledge, ideas and support their growth as future leaders of the progressive labor movement. Thank you to all the trainers, facilitators, and speakers for sharing their knowledge and experiences with this year’s interns.
Thank you this year’s site partners for hosting interns and providing them with hands-on organizing experience!
- Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE)
- Center on Policy Initiatives
- Environmental Health Coalition
- IATSE 122
- Majdal Center
- Mid-City CAN
- SEIU 221
- Youth Will
We would also like to thank this year’s SEJ program sponsors:
- AFT Guild Local 1931
- Peacemakers Fund
- Prebys Foundation
CPI San Diego
