The first day of my internship with CASE (Central Arizonans for a Sustainable Economy) gave me a real life perspective at what the situation is throughout the state of Arizona. Working people, migrants, LGBTQ folks are continually being marginalized. Corporations make millions at the cost of employees literally breaking their backs. What can we do? Can anything be done? While there are numerous and great ways to organize our community I agree with CASE and the Unite Here's goal of increasing voter engagement especially for Latin@s is the best way to win Phoenix, and eventually the state of Arizona.
The first day we were assigned a task to turn out as many volunteers as possible for a workshop and the power of community organizing through an interdependent leadership model. No hierarchical structure here! It was the community, the group, all of us untied each for our own reasons, our own goals but ultimately to change Phoenix so that special interests were not at the forefront. It was time to make a decision to choose to be better represented. We had about 150 turn out to this workshop that would kick off our summer campaign.
Interesting that there is a minimal hierarchical structure at CASE. I think organizations with this lateral structure can benefit in many ways because it empowers the individual employees to have autonomy and responsibility to their own work with out a micro manager. With that being said, I hope their is a strong figure head so that leadership is provided for employees and the community.
ReplyDeleteI think the structure sounds very interesting and intriguing. Every organization is different, and what may work for one organization may not work for another. Group empowerment is important and it definitely benefits an organization in many ways!
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