How Working America Brings People Together & Supports Working Families

This Patch article is sponsored by Working America.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Amanda Rodriguez Guynes of Working America.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Amanda Rodriguez Guynes: Working America is the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO. We work to organize community members, who don't have the benefit of a union on the job, around issues that affect working families.

Patch: How long has your organization been around in the community?
Rodriguez Guynes: Since 2003.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Rodriguez Guynes: I started as a canvasser, getting out into neighborhoods, having face to face conversations with people on their front porches. I would sign up members and get them to write a letter to their representatives on the issues we were working to address at the time. I really enjoyed being able to connect with people and find common ground on issues.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?
Rodriguez Guynes: There is strength in numbers.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?
Rodriguez Guynes : I've worked campaigns we didn't win, and it felt like a loss for working families.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Rodriguez Guynes: The most satisfying part of my job is mentoring leaders who I know will pass the torch and keep the flame of the social and economic justice movement alive.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Rodriguez Guynes: We have a high standard of excellence, and an expectation of a progressive inclusive work environment that I've never seen in any other workplace.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?
Rodriguez Guynes: Taking care of business is taking care of people. When people who work with you know they can count on you, they will show up for you.

Although our mission is always the same, we are always evolving and working to find creative ways to be better at what we do.

For more information, check out workingamerica.org.