Next Wave #NoFilter AFSCME Next Wave

In the final episode of the #NoFilter podcast series, our very own Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride speaks with young, progressive Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer about her efforts defending workers’ rights and her journey to becoming the second-youngest House member ever. We recap the entire series with some Next Wave history and leave you with ideas about how to use this podcast to inspire and activate other Next Wave members to get more involved in our union and in our communities.

Jessica Ellul and Crystal Gardner continue their behind-the-scenes account of taking on a leadership role in their union. These Volunteer Member Organizers don’t back down as they face tough challenges from management while trying to improve working conditions. Listen as they share tips for staying motivated through the difficult yet rewarding process of organizing at their workplace.

Get the inside scoop as two Volunteer Member Organizers (VMOs) tell us how they organized workers in the face of daunting opposition. Jessica Ellul from Connecticut Health Care Associates and Crystal Gardner from Council 31 discuss the hurdles they faced while working to win rights and respect for hospital workers in Connecticut and behavioral health workers in Illinois. These boss fights are big, join us as we unpack all the personal stories, life lessons and inspiring activism over the next two episodes.

This first episode is an introduction to our entire series. During the first episode, we will look back at what we've been able to accomplish recently, from the VMO conference in Vegas where we highlight awesome things our members have participated in, to the midterm elections, and what we can do to prepare for upcoming elections.