An Atoll Futures Research Institute? Presentation for CANCC
Topos Storytelling Webinar May 2015
1. WELCOME TO THE TOPOS JOB QUALITY
STORYTELLING WEBINAR
Confirm your microphone is off using the icon in the
lower left of your fuze app.
We’ll use chat for questions. Locate the chat function
on the right side of your fuze app.
We’ll start the webinar shortly.
3. STORYTELLING WEBINAR
SPEAKERS
Meg Bostrom, Principal and Co-Founder, Topos
Partnership
Alissa Barron-Menza, Vice President of Business for a
Fair Minimum Wage
Margy Waller, Senior Fellow, Topos Partnership
7. CHALLENGE
EVEN IF PEOPLE SEE INEQUALITY, DISCRIMINATION, AND
LACK OF FAIRNESS, SUPPORT IS HINDERED BY BELIEFS:
Small business can’t afford to pay more.
Workers can negotiate or leave for a better job; nothing I can do.
Education is the answer.
WHAT RATIONALE OVERCOMES THOSE HURDLES?
10. For our communities and economy to thrive, jobs need to
pay at least enough to spend on the basics. Economy-busting
jobs pay so little that people can’t afford food, or to go the
doctor, or to make basic repairs, which hurts all of us, as the
economy slows down. Economy-boosting jobs that raise the
wage and benefits floor create stronger communities and a
better economy for all of us.
11. “We know that thousands of Wisconsin workers cannot make it on
$7.25. We also know that when workers can’t afford the basics, the
whole economy slows down and everyone loses. It’s just economic
common-sense: Putting more money into the hands of working
people ensures they have more to spend on goods and services,
increasing demand in our economy and spurring job growth.” Citizen
Action of Wisconsin
19. COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE
KEEP IN MIND
Community is the focus, not a series of individuals
Highlight the impact of job quality policies on community overall
Anecdotal is acceptable; do not need statistical “proof”
Messengers could include: faith leaders, popular community leaders,
non-profits, etc.
20. COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE
EXAMPLE
“A higher minimum wage and requiring paid sick days would be a
huge boost to our community,” said Reverend Smith. I’ve been here
for 30 years, and I’ve watched as low wage jobs with no benefits
took over and busted our community. You see it in everything from
kids who come to school sick because their parents can’t afford to
get time off work, to local businesses that are barely hanging on,
because people no longer have the wages to spend. Even kid’s
sports have withered, because parents can’t afford the fees. You
can’t support a community on low wage jobs. A higher minimum
wage and paid sick days would be an economic boost to our
community.”
21. WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVE
TIPS FOR WORKERS’ STORIES
Embed in a broader story of community, economy
Stay collective, for example reference other workers in community or
others fighting for changes
Consider focusing on the difference better compensation will make
Incorporate values-driven “money” references
22. WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVE
EXAMPLES
What difference does $15 make?
“I was finally able to buy my daughter new shoes and school
supplies. It has reduced a lot of the stress in my family.”
23. WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVE
EXAMPLES
How have things changed here?
“Now the soccer fields are filled with kids on the weekends, because
families can afford to have their kids join a team, and maybe even
stop by the ice cream shop after a big win. It’s great – it feels more
like a community now.”
24. WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVE
EXAMPLES
“Just about everybody in this area is in the same position – the only
jobs are low paying. The economic stress affects everything –
families that can’t afford the basics, businesses with few customers,
even community activities that get cut because there’s no funding.
My co-worker was telling me how guilty she feels because the only
way she can see her son play high school football is to sneak in at
half time – she can’t afford the $6 ticket. You just can’t support a
family or community on low wage jobs.”
25. WORKERS’ VOICES IN THE NEWS
KEEP IN MIND
Avoid framing workers as victims
Make it about All of Us
Connect to collective benefits, costs
Workers as a movement
26. WORKERS’ VOICES IN THE NEWS
COLLECTIVE BENEFITS
"’People thought we were crazy to call for $15 an hour, but all across
the country, cities, states and employers are raising wages significantly
because of the stand we are taking,’ Alvin Major, a KFC worker, said in
the statement. ‘And so many different workers are joining our fight that
we will win better pay so our families can succeed and our communities
can prosper.’" (“Push for a $15 minimum wage goes to college,” By
Aimee Picchi, CBS MONEYWATCH, March 31, 2015)
27. WORKERS’ VOICES IN THE NEWS
MOVEMENT
“In Chicago, [Nancy] Salgado says the management has not only
refrained from retaliating against strikers, but has actually started
treating staff with more respect. Yet the real reward she says she’s
gained from the movement is a fresh sense of solidarity with other
mothers like her. ‘We bond together,’ she says, ‘because we come
united. … One of the strongest things I’ve learned in this
organization is that being united as a family gives you a lot of
strength to move forward.’” (“Fed Up: Women Fast-Food Workers
Fight Back,” by Michelle Chen, Msmagazine.com, March 28, 2015)
