Devon Gray is the president of End Poverty in California, EPIC, https://endpovertyinca.org/ In this episode, we talk with Devon about EPIC’s work to change the narrative about poverty, focusing on amplifying the voices of workers through its #Listen2Workers campaign. Check EPIC’s website and social media, @EndPovertyCA,  for direct conversations with fast food workers, child care providers, gig drivers, etc.

Devon tells us about his journey from Stanford Law to working with Stockton, CA mayor and EPIC founder Michael Tubbs, who created successful guaranteed income and student scholarship programs.  We discuss EPIC’s Blueprint to End Poverty, and the lessons EPIC has learned that apply to all states, including the red ones. The Blueprint  is available to read on its site, under the same Issues tab that includes some of the legislation they push, including a $21 minimum wage for healthcare workers, corporate transparency, and limitations on renter security deposits.

Sister Emily TeKolste is an organizer for NETWORK Advocates and Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, https://www.networkadvocates.org/ and https://networklobby.org/. Sr. Emily tells us about her journey through activism and service to become a Sister of Providence and organizer for economic justice. Sr. Emily tells us how “giving up billionaires for Lent” is part of the program linking multi-faith values to direct advocacy to lawmakers, an agenda that was a key part of the abolition movement, the civil rights movement, and creating and defending the Affordable Care Act. We learn how progressive organizing can take a lesson from conservative movements–which have nurtured activism by emphasizing relationships and community first. Which leads Sr. Emily and colleagues to be nurturing “squad goals” in the push for higher wages, paid family leave, and healthcare for all.

#economicjustice #healthcareforall #workersrights #livingwage #communityorganizing #socialjustice #publicpolicy #faithinaction #wecandobetter