wdp volunteer orientation
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome toVOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONTuesday, May 03, 2016 | Workers Defense Project
What Will I Learn Today ?
1. WDP OVERVIEWWDP History, Why Construction?Local Victories, Texas Victories
2. PROGRAM AREASAET, ELS, RAP, Voter Engagement
3. VOLUNTEER IMPACTWe Need You! Ongoing Opportunities
by Program, One Time Opportunities
4. NEXT STEPSRequired Forms, Screening/Matching,Meet Your Supervisor, First Day Checklist, First Month Check-In
1. WDP OVERVIEW
▪ WDP History▪ Why Construction?▪ Local Victories▪ Texas Victories
WDP History (2002-Present)
2006Formally became an independent organization
2010Acquired 5604 Manor Road
2012Opened our Dallas office
2002Started out of Casa Marianella to address wage theft
Why Construction?
DangerousWorking ConditionsMore construction workers die in
Texas than any other state.
DangerousWorking Conditions
1 in 5 reported suffering a workplace injury that required
medical attention.
DangerousWorking Conditions
60% reported having never received safety training
Unjust WagesMore than half of surveyed
construction workers receive poverty level wages
50% NO OVERTIME71% NO BENEFITS78% LACK HEALTH INSURANCE22% DENIED PAYMENT
OSHA History (1970-Present)
1978OSHA creates New Directions Grant Program
1997New Directions renamed to Susan Harwood Training Grant Program
2012Worker Centers like WDP, IWJ, NDLON, etc. receive Harwood grants
1970Congress passes the OSH Act and creates OSHA
Austin now requires all employees on city sites to receive the OSHA 10 hour safety training
Austin now requires paid rest breaks for the city’s 50,000 construction workers
Austin now requires prevailing wage, workers compensation, and safety training on all projects that receive incentive funds from the city.
Local Victories
Texas Victories
● Texas employers may no longer avoid criminal theft of services charges by making a minimal payment to their employees.
● Texas employers may no longer avoid fines when caught misclassifying employees on state contracts - protecting not only construction workers - but all workers employed by state contractors.
● The Texas construction industry is now subject to a 60% increase in safety inspections, saving countless lives across the state.
Questions & Comments
2. PROGRAM AREAS
▪ Adult Education & Training▪ Employment & Legal
Services▪ Research & Policy▪ Voter Engagement
Adult Education & Training
Membership Development
ESL Courses
Computer Classes
OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 Safety Training
Leadership Institute
Employment & Legal Services
Workers Rights Education for workers
Workers Rights Education for employers
Wage Recovery
Injury Assistance
Discrimination Case Assistance
Research & Policy
Policy and Strategic Industry Research
Grassroots Organizing and Leader Development
Community and Media Outreach on Labor issues
Collaboration w / others committed to Fair Labor standards
Voter Engagement
The Workers Defense Action Fund 501(c)4 seeks to build a long- lasting infrastructure that will engage working Texans in the electoral and legislative campaigns that affect their lives.
WDAF engages historically underrepresented voters through:
Education in Voter ID law and Voter Registration process
Education in finding and contacting their representatives
Block Walking and Phone Banking
Questions & Comments
3. VOLUNTEER IMPACT
▪ We Need You! ▪ Ongoing Opportunities
by Program ▪ One Time Opportunities
To date, WDP has achieved the following, through direct service, grassroots organizing and advocacy - done by people just like you!
200Graduated over 200 immigrant workers
from Leadership Institute
6Signed 6 landmark agreements with Austin developers
1,143,000Recovered
$1,143,000 in back wages through legal
and direct action
60,000Won paid rest breaks for Austin’s 60,000
construction workers.
AET needs volunteers to help empower those who have experienced injustice to lead social justice movements, by serving as:
Member Outreach Volunteers
ESL Instructors and Tutors
Computer Class Assistants
English Partners
Adult Education & Training
RAP needs volunteers to engage members in organizing campaigns that encourage their leadership development, by serving as:
Tuesday Night Organizers
Researchers
Database and Info Maintenance Assistants
Research & Policy
Development needs volunteers to assist WDP with individual and foundational fundraising, by serving as:
Grant Writers and Editors
Event Coordinators
Donor Appreciation Assistants
Daytime Sponsor Outreach Assistants
Development
Communications needs volunteers to reach members, donors, and more volunteers (in print and online) by serving as:
Social Media Gurus
Graphic Designers
Phone Bankers
Translators
Communications
One Time Opportunities
NOV 19-21Pilgrimage for Immigrant Families: Volunteers will call members and friends of WDP to invite them to the Pilgrimage. During the event, they will assist with logistics, childcare and photography.
NOV 18English Partners Night: Volunteers will join students in our ESL classes to practice basic conversation in English.
DEC 12Fiesta Navidad: Volunteers will beautify WDP campus in preparation for the most festive member-event of the year! During the event, they will assist with logistics, childcare, and photography.
NOV 07Eastside Community Harvest Fest: Volunteers will support AET staff in member outreach at this resource fair geared toward families.
Questions & Comments
4. NEXT STEPS
▪ Required Forms ▪ Screening/Matching▪ Meet Your Supervisor▪ First Day Checklist▪ First Month Check-In
Step 1
Required FormsRegistration Form - Be as specific about your skills and interests as possible. Confidentiality Agreement
Step 2
Screening/MatchingThe Volunteer Coordinator will review your Registration form and determine the Program of best fit.
Step 3
Meet Your SupervisorOnce matched, Program staff or Director will contact you directly, to schedule your first day!
Step 4
First Day ChecklistDO bring your photo i.d., personal computer or notebook.DON’T bring a suit n’ tie.
Step 5
First Month Check-InAfter your first month of service, the Volunteer Coordinator will write to see how you’re doing.
Welcome toVOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONTuesday, November 03, 2015 | Workers Defense Project