DOCSLIB.ORG

Special Convention Issue

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Special Convention Issue •• X·523 Special Convention Issue. Book Rev;ew: Bobos in Paradise Convention Directs Focus on Low-~ge Economy elegaces to DSA's Convenrion overwhelmingly commission and political education program as impor­ approved a focus on rhe problems facing par­ tant goals. D ticipants in America's low-wage economy. To increase the resources available to do chis work Holly Sklar in describing rhe loss of purchasing power the Convention called on members co srrive (voluntar­ represented by che minimum wage at the Saturday ily) cowards a goal of giving $50 a month co support afrernoon plenary and Eliseo Medina, Executive Yice­ DSA activity. A proposal co begin sharing such gifts President of the SEIU, in his speech at the Convention with locals and commissions will be presented to the dinner Saturday night ouclined these problems in NPC as parr of che 2002 budget. In a spirited session, derail. demonstrating the unity of the convention, more than twenty delegates signed up for the plan as more than $18,000 was pledged to DSA. National Priori.ties Resolution Introduction We meer in Philadelphia at a rime of national crisis. The great economic expansion of the lase decade, an expan­ sion that primarily benefired the well off. is over. The economic recession will incrc::ase already morally unacceptable levels of inequality by worsening the conditions of low-wage workers and Henry Nicholns, President ofthe Nmional Union ofHospital and Health Care threatening the living standards of the Employees (AFSCMEI JI 99C) presents an award for low-wage organizing to middle class. Vicki Milhouse and Michelle Cooper ofthe United Child Care Umo11, the Americans have been subject co ter­ first such union in the country. rorist arcacl<s and are deeply concerned about the security of their fumilies and In practical terms that means focusing on minimum wage and liv­ ing wage legislation, fighting for Fdi1or1Ji/ Gm1m1rur: changes in che welfare reform law Paul Buhle, Bill Di.. on, Jeffrey Gold. when ic is reauthori1.cd next year, • Steve Max, Bill Mo•I">; Maxine Phillips, Kachy Quinn, Jason Schulman, working against funher erosion of Joe Schwarcz. john Str.uus Social Security and Medicare and supporting union organ1z111g cam­ Founding Editor Michael Harrington paigns and labor law reform. And of DIMOCUnc (1928-1989) course working co prevent che kind of tax giveaways enacted earlier chis Democratic Socialim of America .ha.re a vision of a humane international ~ocial order ba~J on equitable djsuibution of l:'C50tllUS, meaningful work, a year in rhe guise of economic stim­ healthy environment. •u.tainable growth. gender and racial equality, and non-oppressive rclation­ ulus. >hips. Equality, solidarity, and democracy can only be achieved lhrough international political and The convention also called for •ocial cooperation aimed at ensuring that economic instirutions bmefit all people. We a.re dedi­ cated to building cruly international social movements - of unionim, en-ironmcntalists, feminists, continuing involvemenr in rhe and people of color - whith together can .,lcvarc global justic" O\"er brutaliriog global competition. globalization struggles and supporc An DSA NATIONAL OFFICE for a peace movement. over rid­ 180 Varick Street FL 12 ing concern of che convention was New York. NY 10014 increasing the capacity of che organ­ 212.727.8610 ization do co effective work and http;/Jwww.dsausa.org l>rm1KTatu I 1i (ISSN 1643!07) ;, publi•hrJ qu.int· •, at lhO Varick Strm, l'\c"' \Ork. :-.."Y 10014. Periodic.ls refreshing its infrastructure. The p<>nogc P"d at New \Ork. NY (l'ublie>1ion :So. 701 ·%0). \ub>eripuon;: SIO rrgular; $15 umi1uuonal. priorities called for organiling a l'1»1m.l.>1tt· 5crn.I Jddn$S ch•ni;cs 10 180 Vanek Sittct, :-:cw fork. :-,ry 100 l<i. Dtm!XTllnr Uji is rubli>ha:l by the series of regional meetings in 2002 Ocrnocntit \uci•lim !lf Amcric.i. 180 Vanek \1rtt1. New York, NY 10014. (212) 727-8610. S1prd Rrticks txfrt!J 11'1' opinicmt oftlit authors and 1101 '"' mari{Y 1IPOu ofthe organir.ltlinn and sec developing an efTeccive labor page 2 • Democratic Left • Winter 2002 Convention Directs Focus on Low-'Wage Economy loved ones. A war on rerrorism has been launched with the promise of effective acrion co currail international terrorism. An aerial campaign against the Taliban ha~ been iniciaccd and ground troops have been imro­ duccd in Afghanistan. The administration has promised a Jong campaign Convention Directs with many cheaters of operation. Focus on Low-Wage We must acknowledge char our capacity ro respond co chis crisis is lim­ Economy ited by the organi1.ational conscraincs within which we operate. AJI our actions must be taken with the aim of ending the marginal position of the lefr in American political life and co rescoring a socialist presence wirhin Convention Modifies mainstream policies. DSA Governance Acknowledging the circumstances we face is the fim seep to\'tards changing them. This process began ar our last convcnrion and was con­ cinucd ar the Future Search Retreat held chis summer that fairly scared an organization consensus on building DSA and irs capacity. The crisis that Convention Passes began with the September ch atcacks changes the political ground, but 11 Anti-Bombing not our goals. Whac all DSAers agree upon is that military action char Resolution leaves in place an international economy that promotes poverry and inequality through our rhe world cannot prevent chc growth of excremisr groups. Our Priorities Speech by SEIU VP Eliseo Medina For most of history our main focus has been on domestic policies and chc inequalities endemic in our sociery. Thac shall remain our main focus. \X'e shall concencrare mosr of our resource~ on issues and campaigns relat­ A Loyal Opposition ed ro injustices faced by low-wage workers in America. \X!e shall support by Susan Chacin campaigns to raise the minimum wage and to legislate a "living wage." We shall continue our support of union organizing efforts and support meas­ ures in the upcoming legislative fight around renewing "welfare reform'' char will aid che poor and noc punish chem. We will concinue our work ro Book Review: defend Mcdican.: anc..l Social Security. And we will engage in visible, pub­ Bobos in Paradise lic activity aimed at educating rhe American public abour the systematic by Scott Mclemee inequalities of our economy. This campaign will be begin with a confer­ ence highlighting the 40th Anniversary of che publicacion of The Od1er An1crica and the plighc of the working poor poignanclr depicted in Detroit Challenges Barbara Ehrenrcich's, Nickel and Dimed. Bue this campaign will be much Michigan Hospice more rhan a Wasbingcon cvenc. We will rake our message co local com­ by David Green munities in events and activist campaigns organized over the ncxc cwo years. Recognizing our organizational limitations, we will focus our resources, 10 the near term on enhancing our capacity for political educa­ tion and analysis through forums, speaker tours, rctn.~ats. chink-ranks and publications, pa~sing ouc liceracure. talking to young people on campuses, and talking co people in other public situations. The forces opposed rn che manner in which the Bush Administration Cover photo: Convention has carried out "rhe war on terrorism" arc weak, confined ro the campus­ to es and exisring lefr organizadons, and isolarcd from even rhc mainstream delegates took a break lef't in rhe trade unions, communities of color, and the progressive wing of mark the GlfJhal Day of Congress. DSA hopes co build a peace movement Lhat stands for jusuce Action against the WI'O by for tht victims of Seprember I I th and recognizc11 the importance of com­ attending a rally tit the bating terrorism of all stripes, including chat supported by or organized by Liberty Bell. continued on page 4 Democratic Lcfc • Winter 2002 • page 3 Convention Directs Focus on Low-mtge Economy continued from page 3 our government's own covert oper­ ations. The peace movement, as the ineffectiveness of the administra­ tion's military tactics become appar­ ent, can begin ro operate within mainstream American politics. We will participate, with ochers, in broad educational campaigns and protests consistent wich our values on the issues of terrorism and the response to ic. No discussion of inequality in our domestic economy or the wide­ spread poverty in che developing world can avoid the globalization debate. DSA will continue to actively participate in social move­ Neu• Nl'C member Selina Afusura, a student at JrJw:a CoUege, takes in the debate. ments to democratize control of the global economy. Our tics to transnational movements of oppo­ above. A truly democratic socialist ing streams which can be used to sition to corporate globalizarion policies muse combat the social supporc local and commission work and co socialist parties and left trade structures of racism, sexism, class as well as build our national capaci­ union confederations central to domination, and homophobia that ty. Toward char end chis such struggles provides DSA with construct institutional oppression. Con\'ention endorses: the ability to make a unique contri­ Ir must demand social and econom­ bution to these campaigns. ic justice for all, now. • Re-directing the bulk of income We wiU continue our opposition In pursuit of justice, multi­ from new memberships accained co those trade and investment agree­ racial and anti-racism politics shall chru local activity to Locals and ments that structure che global econ­ become a priortty in our work. Commissions. omy in the interests of global corpo- Agendas in the organjzacion should consiscendy include the issues of • Scning $50 monrh as a national communities of color. This calls for standard of "sustaining mem­ an immediate re-orientation of our bers," the revenue from which is practice coward mulri-racial coali­ to be shared becween the nation­ tion building.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Extensions of Remarks E623 EXTENSIONS of REMARKS
    April 25, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Ð Extensions of Remarks E623 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS ELISEO VASQUEZ MEDINA: AN TRIBUTE TO THE CONCERNED and their home catch fire, well-trained and ORGANIZER'S ORGANIZER CITIZENS OF BELLEVILLE qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and gener- HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI ously of themselves. This peace of mind HON. BOB FILNER OF NEW JERSEY should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they en- OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sure a safer future for us all. We owe these Wednesday, April 24, 1996 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to for their service and sacrifice. Wednesday, April 24, 1996 pay tribute to a very special group of Ameri- f cans from the Eighth Congressional District of Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to New Jersey. Sally Hood, Lyda Panko, John DEFICIT REDUCTION recognize Eliseo Medina, executive director of Piecuch, Carol Smith, Angelo Veneziano, and Local 2028 of the Service Employees Inter- Louise Cordasco, all founding trustees of the HON. RON PACKARD national Union and the newly-elected execu- Concerned Citizens of Belleville, have em- OF CALIFORNIA tive vice president of the Service employees bodied the definition of public service. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES International Union, who will be honored with The individuals who make up the Con- Wednesday, April 24, 1996 a Leadership Award by the San Diego-Impe- cerned Citizens of Belleville have maintained a rial Counties Labor Council on April 27, 1996.
    [Show full text]
  • Commentary: the Union of Their Dreams
    “The Union of Their Dreams: Power, Hope, and Struggle in Cesar Chavez’s Farm Worker Movement.” By Miriam Pawel. Bloomsbury Press 2009. Commentary By LeRoy Chatfield, Founder/Director Farmworker Movement Documention Project I recommend and encourage those interested in Cesar Chavez and his farmworker movement to read Miriam Pawel’s book, “The Union of Their Dreams.” It is well-written, interesting, informative, and provides a context to understand one of the most tumultuous and gut-wrenching times of the movement. Using the stories of eight former United Farm Worker (UFW) volunteers – Chris Hartmire, Eliseo Medina, Jerry Cohen, Ellen Eggers, Sandy Nathan, Gretchen Laue, Sabino Lopez and Mario Bustamante – the author narrates the chronology of the movement from 1965 to 1989 more or less in a summary fashion with many historical milestones of the movement disposed of in a few paragraphs or a page and a half. The exception are the years 1975-1981 – 50% of the book – which are covered in far more detail, but still using the stories of the selected volunteers to weave it together. Of course, not all volunteers are equal. Far and away, this book is about Chris Hartmire, the director of the National Farm Worker Ministry, and his sometimes conflicted, but strongly held belief, that church and religious leaders should be an integral part of the farmworker movement for social justice by standing with, defending, promoting, and always being responsive to the leadership that is spearheading and organizing the struggle. The book is about Eliseo Medina, a teenage Delano farmworker who was instinctively swept up into the movement, took full advantage of the opportunities presented to learn how to organize, speak in front of audiences, and provide inspirational leadership, not only for farmworkers, but for people in urban areas who wanted to work fulltime in the movement and/or support it in a variety of other ways such as the grape boycott.
    [Show full text]
  • The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor by Larry Frank and Kent Wong
    Intense Political Mobilization: The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor by Larry Frank and Kent Wong political regional allegiances.3 Once a stronghold The L.A. County Federation of Labor has of unionized manufacturing, about 500,000 light attracted national attention as a focal point of the manufacturing jobs still remain in L.A. County, new American labor movement. The emergence but in low wage non-union industries such as of Los Angeles as a union city has been an garment and food processing.4 impressive accomplishment, especially in light of its anti-union history. The growth of labor Until the 1980’s, Los Angeles was headquarters power in the political arena, the organizing of to a host of Fortune 500 companies and other new workers, the advancement of progressive major businesses. Their leaders were the public policy, and the forging of labor- oligarchy of the downtown business interests. community alliances, especially with immigrant These companies, such as Hughes, Rockwell, communities, have all contributed to Los Litton, the Atlantic Richfield Company, Security Angeles’s new labor power. Power building in Pacific Bank, Great Western Bank, even the Los Los Angeles combines the sophisticated political Angeles Times, have been subjected to mergers, work of the L.A. County Federation of Labor acquisitions, or closures. The heads of the and the economic development activism fostered remaining entertainment conglomerates, along by its allies. with the major developers of the region, have largely replaced the old oligarchy at the seats of The L.A. Context power. With over ten million residents, Los Angeles Construction, business services, the hospitality County has the largest population of any county industry and retail have all been greatly impacted in the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • S Eiu 2 0 1 0 a N N U a L R E P O
    SEIU 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 2010 1 SEIU Foreword by SEIU President Mary Kay Henry Since my election in May 2010, I have had the honor of joining the celebration of inspiring victories that have moved us forward, even in these toughest of times for working families. I am grateful for the legacy of leadership provided by Andy Stern and Anna Burger, who worked so hard to build a strong and powerful voice for SEIU members. And I am grateful for the guidance, faith and optimism that I encounter in every corner of our union. We’ve accomplished so much this year. From our work at the forefront of the struggle for historic legislation that brought healthcare within reach of 32 million more Americans, to our commitment to restoring and strengthening relationships with labor and community partners, we have made tremendous strides. Once again, we proved that we can unite to turn out our communities at the polls, to stand as “One Nation Working Together,” and to help thousands more workers have a voice. We’ve shown that billions of dollars in profits pale in comparison to the collective heart of the 2.2 million nurses, janitors, home care aides, bus drivers and other mem- bers of our union who hold firm the belief that hard work must be rewarded with good jobs with decent wages and benefits—and respect. Yet, despite all of our efforts, times remain tough for most of our nation. One in six Americans is out of work. Every minute, two more families face foreclosure. Every 20 seconds, another American files for bankruptcy.
    [Show full text]
  • UFW Michigan Boycott Records
    UFW Michigan Boycott Collection Papers, 1964-1981 (Predominantly, 1970s) 11 linear feet Accession # 221 DALNET # OCLC# The UFW Michigan Boycott collection contains materials specific to the state, and the activities of the UFW within the state. The largest boycott in Michigan was of California grapes, and this is reflected in the numerous store surveys which the UFW conducted in an attempt to ascertain the amount of non-UFW wine available. In addition, the collection contains a small amount of material about the lettuce boycott . The collection however, is far more than boycott material. There is a large quantity of material on agriculture and migrants, and their living and working conditions in the state. (In the 1970s Michigan had the third largest migrant population in the nation.) Additionally, staff activities (other than the boycott ) such as fundraising are documented. There is a significant amount of correspondence to Michigan businesses about UFW concerns, and correspondence which shows support for UFW by a wide range of groups including Michigan colleges and universities, churches, and unions, notably the UAW. PLEASE NOTE: Folders are computer-arranged alphabetically within each series in this finding aid, but may actually be dispersed throughout several boxes in the collection. Note carefully the box number for each folder heading. Important subjects in the collection: Agriculture Boycotts Migrant labor Important correspondents in the collection: Lupe Anguiano* Sam Baca* Mayor Jerome P. Cavanaugh Shirley Charbonneau* Cesar Chavez Richard Chavez UFW Michigan Boycott Collection - 2 - Senator Roger Craig John Conyers, Jr. John Dingell Gerald R. Ford Robert P. Griffin Senator Philip A. Hart Rev.
    [Show full text]
  • November, 2004
    UFW DOCUMENTATION PROJECT ONLINE DISCUSSION November 2004 Abby Flores Rivera, 11/1/04 RE: Prayers for a Mighty Chavista Dear Richard, Danny, Albert, Sammy, Family and All: When I first met Minnie it was behind the counter of the Jewish bakery you mentioned in your e- mail, Richard. (I had arrived late from LA to your wedding but just in time for all the great dancing so I never got to meet your parents.) Later, all of us, Anna and Lou, went to see Minnie where I met her from behind the counter with the wonderful aroma of good bread baking that managed to pleasantly form a lasting impression on me and a great way to remember a first meeting. I was amazed at how she could run the bakery, and manage her home and kids from there as well. Four sons is not an easy job. Later, I was even more impressed at how she ran her home. Wish that my home could look like hers and I only had two kids. She really had you guys in check, in sports, community and church work at a young age, etc. She is a tough lady and proved hands down that she could handle so much more. Minnie ran the San Ysidro Office like a tight ship. She worked on many projects at a time with nothing seeming impossible to her. She was always on alert to bring farm workers in on the spot to help with projects and had the keen ability for spotting them. If she learned someone had a particular skill, or had an eagerness to help do whatever was needed, she would enlist them quickly.
    [Show full text]
  • Administration of Barack Obama, 2014 Remarks at the Congressional
    Administration of Barack Obama, 2014 Remarks at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Annual Awards Gala October 2, 2014 The President. Good evening, everybody! Thank you to Senator Menendez, Congressman Hinojosa, and the entire CHC for inviting me. Everybody, take—you can have a seat, take a load off. [Laughter] I want to congratulate tonight's outstanding honorees: José Díaz-Balart, Eliseo Medina, and Juliet García. I want to thank all the other Members of Congress who are here tonight, including the outstanding Nancy Pelosi. Although I have to say, Nancy Pelosi was really talking mostly about the San Francisco Giants—in a Nationals town. So that just shows her courage. [Laughter] I want to give a special thanks to two young men who rode over with me from the White House tonight. Luis and Víctor are CHCI interns and fellows. They are also DREAMers, living and working in the country they call home and making it a better place for all of us. Their stories are inspiring. And along with the other CHCI fellows, they give me great hope for the future. They make me optimistic about what America is all about. Now, 6 years ago, I came here as a candidate for this office, and I said if we worked together, we could do more than just win an election. We could rebuild America so that everybody—no matter what you look like, no matter what your last name is, no matter what God you worship, no matter who you love—everybody is free to pursue their dreams. And that's exactly what we've set out to do.
    [Show full text]
  • Labor Relations Law UPDATE
    Volume 2, No. 2 Labor Relations Law UPDATE From the Steptoe & Johnson LLP Labor Relations and Employment Group March 1, 2006 SEIU Looks South and Southwest for New Union Members Steve Wheeless and Tom Stanek from Steptoe & Johnson’s Labor Law The Service Employees International Union, a founding Change group just returned from Vermont where they waged a highly suc- to Win member, hopes its organizing victory with 4,700 Houston cessful union-avoidance campaign for an international manufacturing janitors will be a catalyst for organizing bids in 17 Southern and company. Steve and Tom were called to assist the company after the Southwestern states. SEIU Executive Vice President Eliseo Medina International Association of Machinists targeted the company as part said that the SEIU’s goal is to duplicate its Houston success in Florida, of an intensive organizing effort. The IAM reportedly had 20 out- Arizona, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Since last summer, Medina of-state, professional organizers working in pairs “on the ground” in has headed the SEIU’s organizing efforts in 17 states Vermont driving the union’s organizing effort. Over in the South and Southwest. The SEIU currently has the course of a few months, the IAM organizers rallied active organizing campaigns taking place in Miami, “This should be a enough support to file a petition for a union election Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee and Arizona. with the National Labor Relations Board. However, Medina noted that work in those states is a long-term positive virus for after a four week, intensive, on-site pro-company proposition for the SEIU because unions, until re- everyone through- counter-campaign created and directed by Steve cently, had given-up on organizing employees in the and Tom, the IAM withdrew its petition for election South.
    [Show full text]
  • LA Times Tearsheet
    MN_A_1_A1_LA_1_01-08-06_su_2_CMYK 2006:01:07:22:47:27_ SUNDAY FINAL On The Internet: WWW.LATIMES.COM Q SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2006 COPYRIGHT 2006/706 PAGES/QCC SG IE $1.50 Designated Areas Higher UFW: A BROKEN CONTRACT DeLay Ends His Drive to Regain Post Facing charges in Texas and in the glare of a lobbyist scandal, he says the GOP needs a new majority leader. He plans to seek reelection. By Mary Curtius and Richard Simon Times Staff Writers WASHINGTON — Former House Majority Leader Tom De- David J. Phillip Associated Press Lay, indicted in Texas last fall REP. TOM DELAY: “The and under scrutiny in a blossom- job of majority leader is too ing political scandal on Capitol important to be hamstrung by Hill, abandoned on Saturday his personal distractions,” he said. Photographs by Don Bartletti Los Angeles Times effort to regain his leadership HARD WORK: At the end of the strawberry picking season, Isai Rios, 17, lugs muddy plastic out of a field in Carlsbad. He and his post. father were living in a camp with no water or electricity. Like many young farmworkers, he’d never heard of Cesar Chavez. His decision touched off a RELATED STORY race to succeed him in a Republi- Analysis: The solution may can Party beset by ethics prob- cause more GOP problems. A23 lems. And it followed days of po- litical turmoil and Farmworkers Reap Little as soul-searching within the GOP, naming a permanent successor sparked by Tuesday’s guilty in September, they appointed pleas to corruption-related Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri to be charges by lobbyist Jack Abra- temporary majority leader.
    [Show full text]
  • Chicano Movement  Acosta, Frank De Jesus
    Montoya, Jose (in):Chicano Writers. 2nd Series [Ref PS153.M4C484 1992] Leer = Read… Mora, Pat. Tomás and the Library Lady [PZ7.M78819 To 1997] The Chicano Movement Acosta, Frank de Jesus. The History of Moraga, Cherrie. Loving in the War Years: Lo Que Nunca Pasó Por Sus Barrios Unidos: Healing Community Violence Labios [PS3563. O753 L6 1983] [e-Book] Events, People, and Muñoz, Carlos. Youth, Identity, Power: The Chicano Movement [E184.M5 Acosta, Oscar Z. Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo [CT275.A186 A3] M85 2007] Writings 1940 - Present Alarcon, Francisco X. Snake poems: an Aztec Invocation [PS3551.L22 S64 Nahmias, Rick. The Migrant Project: Contemporary California Farm 1992] Workers. [HD1527.C2 M54 2008] Alurista. Timespace Huracán: Poems, 1972-1975 [PQ7297.A65] Nava, Julian. Julian Nava: My Mexican-American Journey [e-Book] Anaya, Rudolfo A. Cuentos Chicanos: A Short Story Anthology Olivas Daniel (in): Fantasmas: Supernatural Stories by Mexican-American [PS508.M4C84 1984] Writers [PS648.F3 F344 2001] Anzaldúa, Gloria E. Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza Paredes, Americo. Between Two Worlds [e-Book] [PS3551.N98 B6 1987] Rios, Alberto. Capirotada: A Nogales Memoir [PS3568 .I587 Z474 1999] Baca, Jimmy Santiago. A Place to Stand: The Making of a Poet [PS3552 .A254 Z473 2001] Rivera, Tomas. The Harvest: Short Stories [PQ7079.2 .R5 H37 1989] Cantú, Norma Elia. Poetry [e-Book] Rodriguez, Luis J. Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A. [HV6439.U7 L77 2005]; The Concrete River [PS3568.O34879 C66 1991]; The Castillo, Ana. So Far From God [PZ4.C345 So 1993] Republic of East L.A.: Stories [PZ7 .R61885 Re 2002]; My Nature is Cervantes, Lorna Dee.
    [Show full text]
  • Gilbert Padilla 1962 - 1980
    Gilbert Padilla 1962 - 1980 I met Cesar Chavez in 1955 at a house meeting at my home in Hanford, California. I joined the Community Service Organization (CSO) that night and worked as a volunteer from 1955 to 1960. Cesar Chavez became the CSO director and hired me in 1960 as a staff member providing service center work in Stockton. I worked there through June of 1962. At the CSO national convention in Calexico in March of 1962, Cesar told me that if the board did not approve of the farmworker program he proposed, he would resign as director. The CSO convention did not approve his program and Cesar resigned from the CSO on April 15, 1962. I asked him what he was going to do and he said that we should go and organize the farmworkers ourselves, and I agreed with him. I returned to Hanford in Kings County and began to organize workers with the volunteers who lived in that area, which included ex-CSO members like Julio and Fina Hernandez, Roger Terronez from Corcoran, and Tony and Rachel Orendain and Gil Flores from Hanford. It was understood and agreed that all the staff were to be unpaid volunteers. In September of 1962, we held our first convention of the National Farm Workers Association, the NFWA. We adopted the eagle as our logo on the flag and we adopted our dues structure of $3.50 a month, which included death benefit insurance for families. At this convention, a Sanger resident was elected as president, Tony Orendain was elected secretary-treasurer, and Cesar was appointed as director general.
    [Show full text]
  • Bobjohnson1975–1977
    Bob Johnson 1975–1977 I first heard of Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement while in high school in Central Illinois, during the late 1960s. I was attending a United Methodist Church weekend retreat for young people. During dinner on Saturday evening, a young minister suddenly stood up and started speaking, as if something had suddenly moved him to do so. He began by saying that what he was about to tell us was controversial. He said that some say it is “communistic.” With that, he proceeded to tell us about Cesar Chavez and why we should boycott grapes. The next time that someone talked to me directly about boycotting grapes was in August of 1973. I had just started my junior year at the University of Illinois in Champaign- Urbana. The woman I was dating had just heard from someone in her dorm about the United Farm Workers’ grape strike that was happening in California. She was deeply moved by the story and was spreading the word to boycott grapes. In February of 1975, I was a delegate to the College Democrats National Convention in Atlanta. There was a resolution to support the boycott of Gallo wine. Gallo had sent several free cases of wine to the convention to influence the vote. A delegate supporting the boycott stashed the wine in his room and did not allow it to be distributed. I got involved in the effort to get the resolution passed. There were those who opposed the resolution and wanted the free wine, so we had to work at it.
    [Show full text]