Explore ReWork the Bay’s comprehensive FAQ and Glossary to learn about its mission, workforce equity, initiatives, and key terms like quality employment, racial equity, and landscape management in the Bay Area. Find answers to frequently asked questions and dive into definitions that shape equitable workforce development.
FAQ
ReWork the Bay serves individuals in the Bay Area who seek quality, empowered employment. The organization is committed to increasing the number of people in the Bay Area who have access to such employment opportunities.
- ReWork the Bay serves the 9 County Bay Area, encompassing the nine counties in Northern California. The organization’s efforts are focused on addressing employment challenges and promoting equitable opportunities throughout this region.
- The 9 County Bay Area refers to the geographical region in Northern California that includes nine counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma. ReWork the Bay operates within this area to fulfill its mission.
- ReWork the Bay engages in California-wide work when invited or requested by partners in other regions of the state.
ReWork the Bay creates a liberated and equitable economic future by transforming the roles workers, employers and the philanthropic sector play in economic and workforce development. We center and amplify the expertise of those most impacted by economic inequities to design, pilot and scale multi-sector systemic solutions responsive to current needs, while activating philanthropic partners to maximize their impact through transformative, strategic relationships.
Quality, empowered employment refers to jobs that not only offer financial stability but also provide workers with a meaningful say in their work and working conditions, contributing to their overall well-being.
Workforce equity for ReWork the Bay means a fair labor market that offers all people the opportunity to secure quality, empowered employment.
ReWork the Bay is involved in workforce development initiatives that aim to enhance the skills, knowledge, and employability of individuals through training, education, and professional growth opportunities.
Building worker power involves strengthening the collective influence and voice of workers to advocate for their rights, fair treatment, and improved working conditions. ReWork the Bay believes worker power is a requisite accountability measure to ensure sustained job quality over time.
ReWork the Bay promotes racial equity by: naming and countering false, toxic narratives about workers of color; resourcing organizations who fight occupational segregation; and identifying policy and practice changes that can counteract entrenched historical inequities.
Occupational segregation refers to the over-concentration of a racial, gender or other group in specific occupations relative to the proportion of the working population they comprise. For example, white men in the Bay Area are over-represented in management occupations, while Black women in the Bay Area are over-represented in personal care occupations. Occupational segregation is widespread in our economy, and it reinforces racial and gender economic inequities.
The income gap refers to disparities in earnings between different groups. ReWork the Bay addresses this by promoting quality employment opportunities that bridge the income gap and support financial well-being for all.
Pooled grantmaking dollars are funds raised by ReWork the Bay from our funder members and regranted to fund research, demonstration, narrative change, and other collaborative projects. This provides an opportunity for multiple funders to create a unified and coordinated approach to grantmaking.
ReWork the Bay convenes leaders in government, non-profit organizations, and business to break through siloes and develop new cross-sector solutions to complex social issues.
Systematically excluded workers are people who face challenges getting fair job opportunities because of deep-rooted bias and discrimination in our society. Examples include false, toxic narratives about racial and gender groups, under-resourcing of educational opportunities in low-income communities, and explicit policies such as the exclusion of domestic work from many labor protections that prevent specific groups of people from obtaining high-quality jobs. ReWork the Bay is dedicated to breaking down these barriers and making sure everyone has a fair shot at well-compensated, dignified work.
Glossary
Employment that is fair, just, and unbiased, providing equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of background, gender, race, or other factors.
Strengthening the collective influence and voice of workers to advocate for their rights, fair treatment, and improved working conditions.
Ensuring fairness and justice in the distribution of employment opportunities, focusing on eliminating disparities and promoting equal access to quality jobs for all individuals.
The pursuit of fairness and justice in policies, practices, and systems to address historical and contemporary racial disparities, promoting equal opportunities and outcomes for all racial groups.
Positions that not only offer financial stability but also grant employees advancement and professional development opportunities, a sense of agency meaningful input into their work and working conditions.
The ability of workers to actively participate in decision-making processes related to their jobs, contributing to a sense of autonomy and control over their professional lives.
Compensation in terms of salary and additional perks, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.
The opportunity for employees to have a genuine and impactful voice in decisions that affect their work, ensuring that their opinions and perspectives are valued.
The environment and circumstances in which work is performed, including factors like safety, workload, flexibility, and overall job satisfaction.
Assurance of stability and respect in employment, encompassing financial security and the preservation of one’s dignity in the workplace.
Involvement and participation in the local community, emphasizing the interconnectedness between individuals, businesses, and the broader societal context.
Jobs that provide not only financial stability but also opportunities for growth, personal development, and a positive impact on the community.
Initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge, and employability of individuals, often through training, education, and professional growth opportunities.
The disparity in earnings between different groups, highlighting differences in income levels between high and low earners and among demographic categories.
A collaborative space where various funders come together to discuss and strategize on issues related to supporting specific causes or initiatives.
Combining financial resources from multiple funders to create a unified and coordinated approach to grantmaking, ensuring that funds are directed strategically to address shared goals.
Individuals who, due to systemic factors such as discrimination or biased practices, face barriers to fair employment opportunities and inclusion in the workforce.
The process in which working people, through their unions, negotiate contracts with their employers to determine their terms of employment, including pay, benefits, hours, leave, job health and safety policies, ways to balance work and family, and more.
Inequities and differences in outcomes, experiences, or opportunities among racial or ethnic groups, often highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these gaps.
Workshops that facilitate collaborative knowledge exchange among organizations they support. In these sessions, ReWork the Bay partners with different organizations, pairing them up to engage in cooperative learning. During these workshops, participating organizations share valuable information, exchange ideas, and collectively enhance their understanding. The goal is to foster a collaborative environment, encouraging mutual growth and the development of innovative solutions to common challenges.
Involving collaboration and coordination across different sectors, such as government, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to address complex social issues.
The 17-member body that determines ReWork the Bay’s strategy and use of pooled grantmaking funds. EWC members are predominately leaders of color at Bay Area organizations advancing economic justice via diverse strategies, including job training, worker organizing, small business development, post-secondary education, and public policy.
ReWork the Bay’s initiative shifting decision-making power from philanthropy to community leaders who are closer to the social challenges we aim to address. This initiative also includes consulting and training for partner funders on participatory grantmaking and community-empowered philanthropic practices.
Succeeding and prospering in the unique economic and social context of the Bay Area, which is characterized by high living costs and a competitive job market.
Living with a sense of fulfillment and well-being in both personal and professional spheres, indicating a holistic approach to life beyond just work.
Referring to the San Francisco Bay Area, a region in Northern California known for its diverse communities, technology industry, and economic significance.
To flourish and succeed in all aspects of life, including but not limited to financial well-being, personal development, and community engagement.