This November, join us in recognizing Native American Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the rich cultures, invaluable contributions, and ongoing impact of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. While these communities have played a pivotal role in shaping our nation, they continue to face systemic challenges that affect job quality, economic mobility, and representation in the workforce.

Photo courtesy of Dulcey Lima/unsplash

Did you know that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2019 and 2021, only 28% of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs) held higher-wage management and professional roles, compared to 42% of the overall population? And that nearly half of AIAN full-time workers earned less than $750 per week.

These disparities are stark reminders of the historical and ongoing barriers that impact economic opportunity and job security for Indigenous peoples.

At ReWork the Bay, we believe in tackling these challenges head-on. By centering the voices and leadership of those most affected, we strive to create a workforce system that champions economic justice and supports all workers. We align with efforts such as the Division of Indian and Native American Programs (DNAP), which promotes culturally attuned employment and training services, and the impactful work of the Council for Tribal Employment Rights, a community-based American Indian-owned and operated non-profit organization. They are a nationally recognized leader in employment rights advocacy for Indian Country.

Driven by our commitment to economic equity, ReWork the Bay centers the voices and experiences of those systematically excluded from it. Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities have long faced these barriers, which aligns with our commitment to creating pathways for all workers to thrive. Through initiatives like the Building Worker Power, the Learning Labs, and the Job Quality Project, we’re actively transforming the workforce landscape by empowering workers to advocate for fair wages, job security, and safe working conditions.

This month, we invite you to join us in honoring Native American Heritage Month by supporting the work that drives economic justice forward. Whether you’re an employer, funder, or community partner, you have a role to play. Discover how you can make an impact—visit our Get Involved page and join us in advancing this vital mission.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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Did you know that 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have a disability, and more than 1 in 4 young adults today will likely face some form of disability before reaching retirement age? Disability is not something that happens to “someone else”—it’s a reality that touches all of us, directly or indirectly, and building inclusive, supportive workplaces should be a priority for everyone. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognized every October since 1988, celebrates the contributions of disabled workers and promotes the importance of creating equitable opportunities in the workplace. The history of NDEAM dates back even further, to 1945, when the first national week recognized the contributions of workers with physical disabilities was established. Today, it has evolved into a month-long commemoration for individuals with visible and invisible disabilities that continues to push for more inclusive work environments.

This year’s NDEAM theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” reflects the urgent need to expand and improve job opportunities for people with disabilities. As we push for equity across the workforce, it’s clear that we must do more to ensure disabled workers are not left out of the conversation. One promising approach is through inclusive apprenticeship programs that make pathways to good jobs more accessible for disabled workers.  An example is the work being done by the Urban Institute’s Partnership for Inclusive Apprenticeship Project, which focuses on designing and implementing apprenticeship programs that support the inclusion of people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups. These programs provide on-the-job training that opens doors to careers that have historically been out of reach for many. It’s an example of how we can build a workforce that doesn’t just include but empowers people with disabilities.

At ReWork the Bay, we echo this sentiment by advocating for employment equity and creating spaces where every worker, regardless of ability, can thrive. As we celebrate NDEAM,  we’re reminded that making work truly accessible is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one—because when all workers can fully participate, everyone benefits. To learn more about how ReWork the Bay is driving systematic change to create equitable employment opportunities for all, including individuals with disabilities, visit our Systems Change Projects section on our website.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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Bienvenidos todos de mi comunidad! Don’t worry, that’s all the Spanish for this newsletter. As we enter September, we’d like to honor Latine Heritage Month. This month-long celebration begins on September 15 and ends on October 15. It begins mid-month to include many Independence Day anniversaries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15, as well as Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18.

Latine Heritage Month (pronounced la-tee-ney), originally recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month, reflects a growing movement toward inclusivity and equity. While “Hispanic” had been widely used to describe Spanish-speaking communities, it excludes Indigenous, Afro-Latine, and non-Spanish-speaking groups like Brazilians. At ReWork, we use Latine to honor the full spectrum of identities within the Latin American community, embracing a gender-neutral term rooted in cultural inclusivity. Just as the fight for labor rights demands fairness for all workers, the shift to Latine reflects our commitment to acknowledging the diversity and dignity of all people within this vibrant community.

The fight for labor rights has long been a crucial part of Latine heritage, particularly in California. From the Oxnard Strike in 1903 to the Delano Grape Strike in 1965, Latine activists and workers have been at the forefront of campaigns for safer workplaces and equitable wages. Labor Day, which we recently observed, serves as a reminder of those historic struggles and the ongoing efforts to create a more just and fair society. Latine workers, especially farmworkers, fought for the basic rights that many of us now take for granted—fair pay, safe conditions, and the right to organize. The legacy of their activism continues to inspire the work we do at ReWork to ensure equitable labor practices across the Bay Area.

Our team at ReWork is dedicated to advancing this mission. In fact, a meager 7% of Latines have graduate degrees, which can lead to absences in job parity and opportunity. My own grandmother and father had to pick tomatoes in Sacramento in the earliest stages of their working careers to make ends meet. With a lack of workplace protections and despite not smoking a day in her life, she battled cancer to the very end of her life.

At ReWork the Bay, we believe in building an equitable future for everyone, and this mission cannot be realized without recognizing and supporting the Latine community’s fight for justice. Latine Heritage Month is not only a time to celebrate rich cultural contributions but also to recommit to the ongoing work of equity and inclusion for all.

Let’s continue to celebrate this legacy and honor the many Latine leaders and workers in la raza who have made—and continue to make—history. Latine Heritage Month reminds us that the struggle for equity is far from over, and ReWork is committed to being part of that ongoing fight, ensuring that all workers, especially those from historically marginalized communities, have the opportunity to thrive. If you would like an opportunity to be involved in this meaningful work, visit us to learn more.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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Hello friends,

August is here, and that also means it is Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), a time to honor and elevate African-descent giving and funding equity. This celebration, founded in 2011 by the incredible Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland, began as a powerful movement to commemorate the United Nations Year and Decade of People of African Descent. Today, BPM is a global initiative, supported by The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund (WISE), culminating in a multinational summit every August.

My work here at ReWork the Bay has solidified my passion for equity-centered philanthropy. Black Philanthropy Month is close to my heart, it is personal. I’ve navigated this country as a Black woman for 42 years. I’ve experienced so many of our broken systems. For example; the injustice system as a formerly incarcerated innocent woman, our child welfare system as a vulnerable former foster youth, and I’ve experienced our post-secondary education system as I navigated both UCB & Georgetown University as a student parent earning my college degrees. My personal experiences, navigating the very systems we aim to change— make the work resonate deeper for me. Having an impact on various levels of systems change as a system-impacted Black woman is empowering! In the words of the great Assata Shakur, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains”. I’m proud to be part of an organization that believes in the power of giving and takes meaningful action to create a more just and inclusive world. This year’s Black Philanthropy Month theme, contemporary Afro-futurism invites us to connect our history and present to inspire innovation to create a more equitable and just future for Black giving. I embody this concept every day through my principles and values and in my role at ReWork the Bay.

This theme speaks to the heart of what we do at ReWork the Bay. Our belief is in proximate philanthropy—entrusting those with lived and earned experience to lead the way in deploying philanthropic capital. Our Equity at Work Council (EWC) embodies this philosophy. This 17-member group of proximate leaders shapes our programmatic strategy, approves grants, and holds us accountable to our budget. This month, we will highlight a few leaders of these remarkable organizations as they embody the principles of Black Philanthropy Month and are paving the way for the next generation of Black philanthropists. Their work is a testament to the power of proximate philanthropy and the importance of equity in all aspects of life, especially here in the Bay Area. Leaders like Precious J. Stroud of BlackFemaleProject, Rashida Hanif of RepresentEd, Terah Lawyer-Harper of CROP, Dr. Carole Dorham-Kelly of Rubicon Programs, and Jeìery Wallace of LeadersUp. Their dedication and leadership are helping to build a future where Black giving is celebrated, expanded, and most importantly, normalized.

I invite you to join us in supporting organizations that center Black giving. Mark your calendars for August 28, Giving Black Day, and consider how your contributions can make a lasting impact. Let’s make this Black Philanthropy Month a time of powerful change and celebration. Together, we can empower Black communities and create a more equitable world.

In Solidarity,

Brianna N. Rogers

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While AI often grabs headlines, the cause of sluggish wage growth and worker struggles lies elsewhere. For decades, policy decisions have shifted power dramatically in favor of employers, diminishing the leverage of typical workers. Stagnant wages and rising inequality stem from these policy choices, not technological advancements.

Key changes, such as the waning strength of unions, stagnant federal minimum wages, and shifting macroeconomic policies, have eroded workers’ bargaining power. Historical data shows that productivity growth, driven by technological change, has not been associated with higher unemployment or inequality. Instead, these issues arise from an extreme power imbalance between employers and workers.

The Biden Administration has acted to harness the potential risks of AI by directing the Department of Labor to create Principles for Developers and Employers when using AI in the workplace. These principles aim to ensure AI technologies benefit workers, protect their rights, and prevent biases in decision-making processes. They emphasize worker empowerment, ethical AI development, transparency, and responsible use of worker data.

The Department of Labor’s principles emphasize worker empowerment, ethical AI development, human oversight, transparency, protecting labor rights, enabling workers, supporting those impacted by AI, and ensuring responsible use of worker data. These guidelines help businesses harness AI technologies while fostering a fair and equitable work environment.

To support workers, policymakers must strengthen social insurance systems, remove barriers to union organizing, and maintain accessible employment. These actions will empower workers to claim the benefits of technological advancements, including AI, and restore equitable growth in the labor market.

In a study by the Economic Policy Institute, it was found that AI and automation are likely to increase the productivity of workers but may also exacerbate existing inequalities in the labor market. The report highlights how AI technologies, if unregulated, could lead to job displacement, wage suppression, and increased surveillance of workers. It is crucial that the principles set by legislative bodies address these potential issues by ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared broadly among workers, not against.

Join us in advocating for stronger workers’ rights and examine how these principles are implemented by exploring our Systems Change Projects. Let’s work together to shape a future where technological progress uplifts workers and fosters inclusive economic growth.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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In addition to celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride and Juneteenth this month, we observe both International Domestic Workers Day and International Sex Workers Day, two crucial dates that highlight the often-overlooked contributions of marginalized workers. These observances highlight the urgent need for labor justice, especially for those who face systemic inequities and are frequently excluded from federal protections.

Domestic workers, many of whom are women of color, are critical to the smooth functioning of our households but often work without the security and benefits they deserve. Despite their vital role, they remain excluded from federal workplace laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act. This exclusion leaves millions without minimum wage or overtime protections, underscoring a significant gap in our labor system. Organizations like the National Domestic Workers Alliance and our Equity at Work Council members, the Chinese Progressive Association and the California Domestic Workers Coalition, are on the front lines advocating for the rights and protections of these workers. They strive to secure fair wages and safe working conditions, ensuring these essential workers receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Similarly, sex workers face significant challenges, including legal stigma, unsafe working conditions, and a lack of rights and recognition within the workforce. International Sex Workers Day reminds us of their ongoing struggle for dignity and equality. Red Canary Song, a grassroots collective of Asian and migrant sex workers, exemplifies the fight for sex worker rights. Lavender Phoenix, builds transgender, non-binary, and queer API power in San Francisco. Their efforts are crucial in advocating for policy changes and providing necessary support for these marginalized workers. Additionally, resources from organizations such as the Bay Area Workers Support, the ACLU of Southern California’s Know Your Rights for Sex Workers, the Transgender Law Center, and the Sex Workers Project play a pivotal role in this movement, offering guidance and protection for sex workers.

It must be acknowledged that we are amidst a historic uprising of worker power in the United States. Across the nation, workers who have long been marginalized are organizing, joining unions, and striking for fair wages and better working conditions. This movement is particularly led by Black workers, who have historically been sidelined in labor rights but are now driving significant victories and systemic changes.

Philanthropy plays a critical role in this context. By supporting labor justice, we advocate for fair treatment and better conditions while simultaneously addressing racial justice. Black workers, who have been at the forefront of the labor movement, are key to achieving economic equity. Their leadership and resilience pave the way for a more just and inclusive economy. As stated plainly by the Nonprofit Quarterly, philanthropy must support labor justice.

Why Support Matters

Labor justice is racial justice. By centering the needs and experiences of Black workers and other marginalized communities, we create better workplaces and economies for all. Philanthropic support can amplify these efforts, funding initiatives that ensure good jobs, fair pay, and safe conditions.

Historically, philanthropy has not fully engaged with the labor movement. However, supporting worker-led organizations, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), can drive transformative change. Examples include successful union drives, community benefits agreements, and partnerships advocating for fair wages and conditions.

Call to Action

As philanthropists, we have a unique opportunity to be on the right side of history. We can help dismantle systemic inequities and build a more equitable economy by funding worker organizing and supporting labor justice initiatives. This June, let’s commit to supporting the workers leading the fight for justice and equality.

To join us and get involved, please visit ReWork the Bay. Together, we can ensure that all workers, regardless of occupation, enjoy the dignity, security, and agency they deserve.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob
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In the last six years, we’ve witnessed significant shifts in U.S. economic policy, from trade agreements to the global pandemic response. While there’s been historical movement towards protecting American workers and industries, contemporary social policies have lagged, reflecting outdated ideologies. Nowhere is this disparity more apparent than in federal workforce development systems, which still bear the marks of decades-old thinking. Despite noble intentions, current approaches often fail to address structural imbalances in power between workers and corporations, perpetuating cycles of inequality.

New America delves into the entrenched beliefs shaping workforce development policies and their implications for job seekers. It underscores the urgency of reevaluating our approach to job training, job placement, and worker empowerment. At Rework the Bay, we champion economic justice and equity, and this article resonates deeply with our mission. It prompts us to rethink how we design workforce programs, ensuring they prioritize workers’ needs, rights, and dignity.

While challenges persist, there are promising initiatives, like the Good Jobs Collaborative, aiming to reshape the narrative around workforce development. Our very own Building Worker Power program is changing the traditional working landscape and amplifying the voices and needs of workers. These efforts offer a roadmap for a more inclusive and effective workforce system by centering economic justice, advancing equity, and amplifying worker voices. As Congress considers reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, there’s an opportunity to enact bold reforms prioritizing workers’ welfare. Join us as we navigate this critical juncture in shaping the future of work with equity and justice at the forefront.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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Just as nature sheds old layers to make way for new growth, ReWork the Bay sheds the outdated norms of top-down decision-making. Since its establishment 20 years ago as the Bay Area Workforce Funding Collaborative, ReWork the Bay has shifted to share the power of philanthropy with community and its proximate leaders to guide the way toward an economically just and inclusive future.

Once a conventional funder collaborative, ReWork the Bay has turned the institutional philanthropic paradigm upside down by empowering community leaders who intimately understand the social challenges we aim to address to decide how our resources are deployed. Who knows better what works, what doesn’t, and what’s possible than people who are most proximate to the work?

This is not just a different way of talking about philanthropy, or a tweak to our system to bump up our grantee satisfaction survey scores. We are reshaping philanthropy from the ground up, and we’re doing it because we’ve seen the harm caused by status quo philanthropy. The path to the future we seek demands that philanthropy evolve from transactional, one-way transfers of resources to strategic, transformative partnerships between philanthropy and community.

To be clear, we know from personal experience that while this change in approach will increase impact, it does not make philanthropy easier, cheaper or faster (at least not at first). And because it requires challenging long-held norms and practices, some visible and some not, it helps to have peers and supporters walking alongside foundations on their transformative journey to act as sounding boards, confidants, and accountability partners when needed.

One way ReWork the Bay provides this support to funders pursuing this kind of transformation is through Funder Communities of Practice (CofPs). In March, we launched our third Funder Community of Practice. Not merely a program, the CofP is part rallying call, part seminar series, part peer support group.

Through a series of five sessions, participants engage in an expertly-facilitated cohort program that fosters both individual learning and collective action. We encourage transparent and vulnerable discussions on racial equity, recognizing the historical context of racial capitalism that continues to shape our society.

This year’s series of CofP sessions is focused on worker organizing and unions—a topic fraught with complexities, especially when viewed through a racial and gender justice lens. Historically, unions have played a significant and critical role in winning job quality improvements and labor protections, yet skepticism of their inclusivity, particularly among communities of color, understandably persists.  While most traditional unions did exclude people of color and women in the past, many unions are investing considerably in diversifying their membership. In jobs where workers aren’t unionized (and women and people of color tend to be concentrated), there are also new forms of worker organizing emerging, led by communities of color and grounded in their experiences. Worker centers, such as the National Domestic Workers Alliance, provide essential support to low-wage workers of color, often addressing labor law violations and advocating for their rights.

What place might worker organizing have in a well-rounded economic mobility funding strategy? What education, relationships and data do I need to not only understand this conceptually, but to actually make the case to move resources? These are the kinds of questions this year’s CofP will grapple with, with the support of other grantmakers, proximate leaders and other experts.

Our CofP empowers funder participants with more expertise, practical tools and broader networks to drive meaningful change. By challenging preconceived notions and fostering critical dialogue, we create a space where funders can find inspiration to engage with communities directly and let them lead the way in determining how resources should be invested.

It’s time for philanthropy to recognize that those who understand the challenges best should be the ones making decisions over resources impacting their lives. Because it’s the right thing to do, but more importantly, because we need that expertise to overcome the daunting challenges facing our communities today. Together, through initiatives like our CofP, we can work towards a more equitable and empowered future for all.

April, a pivotal month in the environmental calendar, symbolizes a global call to action for Earth Day, reminding us of our collective responsibility to safeguard our planet and foster a sustainable future. Although lesser known, April 28th commemorates the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. These observances underscore our shared responsibility to protect our planet and highlight the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers.

Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, emerged as a powerful grassroots movement to raise awareness about environmental issues and galvanize action on a national scale. The inaugural Earth Day sparked a monumental shift in public attitudes and paved the way for landmark ecological legislation that shaped our nation’s environmental policies. The Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Environmental Protection Agency were all established in the 1970s in response to the awareness brought about by the establishment of Earth Day. April 22nd has grown into the largest secular civic event in the world, with over 1 billion people participating.
Cardboard sign stating climate justice now.

Similarly, the International Labour Organization’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work is a global platform to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. This year’s theme, focusing on the impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health, underscores the urgent need for collective action to address the intersection of environmental sustainability and workplace safety. This year’s theme is highly fitting, as 2023 was one of the warmest years on record. A year marred by record deaths for those who work outdoors with little to no legal safeguards, and indoor workers are facing increased opposition to protections.

At our first Community of Practice session for the year, our cohort discussed the history of labor organizing and its ties to environmental justice. We defined terms pertinent to organizers and discussed the Green New Deal and the interconnection between unions and eco-equity. The Jacobin does a superb job espousing the need for unification between labor and climate activists, using Todd E. Vachon’s book Clean Air and Good Jobs as a case study.

As we commemorate Earth Day and World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable workplaces where the well-being of both workers and the environment are prioritized. Together, let us continue championing initiatives that foster a safer, healthier, and more equitable future for all.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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