![\"Iris](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2026-SolSpring-Iris-Leading-medium.jpg\")
<\/a>Iris leading the 50-student group in a discussion about the history and future of labor organizing.<\/p>\nAs the student facilitator, I planned and led the introduction to the program. I also worked closely with the rest of the Solidarity Spring team to support students throughout the three days. I chose to become a student facilitator because of my experiences in the Solidarity Spring cohort last year. As a participant, I valued the opportunity to learn about the labor movement and connect with other students who share a passion for social justice. I wanted to give back to the program by creating a similar experience for this year\u2019s participants.<\/p>\n
Through my student facilitator role, I see how spaces like Solidarity Spring can foster confidence by providing an environment where students can step into new experiences to learn new labor and community organizing skills and see the impact of their contributions. Our union and community hosts were so excited to connect with young people who are interested in organizing.<\/p>\n
Day One<\/p>\n
Solidarity Spring opened with a brief overview of the labor movement. We examined organizing from the 20th century to the present. As a student facilitator, I explained the nuts and bolts of how a union works and defined some key terms. Students discussed their own experiences and how they might connect to the labor movement. They examined how to express their solidarity both as students and workers.<\/p>\n
The discussion resonated with many students. \u201cOne thing I learned from Solidarity Spring that I\u2019ll carry forward is the importance of unions. I gained a deeper appreciation for how collective organizing can protect workers, build power, and create lasting change,\u201d said senior Maya Hilmi, studying political economy at Berkeley.<\/p>\n
Students engage in enthusiastic discussion about unions and worker power.<\/p>\n This feeling was echoed by other students as we continued our learning by phone banking long-term care workers with SEIU 2015. Students were excited to practice this skill, with many trying it for the first time. Some even used their Spanish language skills to engage with workers!<\/p>\n Later, we explored how artistic expression can empower workers. We watched and discussed \u201cOur Work, Our Dignity,\u201d<\/a> a short documentary about a theater performance by domestic workers and day laborers in San Francisco. Then, we enjoyed a passionate workshop and poetry reading by retired ATU 1555 transit worker and poet, Drew Sage.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so important for workers to have the freedom and space for creativity, art, and self-expression,\u201d observed freshman Lucinda Zhou, who is majoring in political science and psychology. \u201cThey\u2019re often dehumanized and seen only as a means for profit, and I had never thought to draw the connection between art and labor.\u201d<\/p>\n This portion of the program was especially meaningful as \u201cartivism\u201d has become a means of resistance in the Bay Area. Throughout the first day of Solidarity Spring, we explored how artistic creation can be both a tool workers can use for resistance, as well as a bridge that connects different workers\u2019 struggles.<\/p>\n Day Two<\/p>\n On the second day, we heard from members of the UC Berkeley Labor Center Advisory Board and learned from campaign organizers and researchers with UNITE HERE Local 2. Board members were enthusiastic about connecting with students who are passionate about labor. We had the opportunity to meet board members from unions we would work with throughout the week, like Local 2 President Anand Singh and SEIU 2015 chief of staff, Jennie Busch. The experience gave us an opportunity to hear from seasoned labor leaders about their work, setting the stage to go out into the field and apply our knowledge.<\/p>\n After meeting with Labor Center Advisory Board members, we had the opportunity to learn from campaign organizers and researchers with UNITE HERE Local 2. Then, we joined them in the field to talk to neighbors about the environmental impacts of a proposed development. \u201cCommunity members were just so taken aback by the fact that people cared, or that we were students. Just seeing their reactions to that was really eye-opening and showed just how powerful solidarity can be,\u201d said first-year student Penelope Oliver, a political science and international relations major.<\/p>\n UNITE HERE Local 2 researcher Cynthia G\u00f3mez prepared students for canvassing (left). Students Penelope and Sarah getting ready to door-knock (right).<\/p>\n Other students had a similar reaction. \u201cI specifically enjoyed door knocking; I felt that I was informing the community of causes they were not familiar with,\u201d said freshman Caesar Torres, who is studying biology and economics. \u201cI felt like I was truly making an impact.\u201d<\/p>\n While many students were new to discussing the issues, this hands-on learning introduced them to skills they plan to use to advocate for the many causes they are passionate about. They learned the power their voices hold as students when they stand in solidarity with workers.<\/p>\n VIDEO: Check out and share video testimonials from Solidarity Spring Students on YouTube <\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Students present their group\u2019s thoughts on bridging art and activism.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n