Mission

Our primary mission is to serve the needs of the working class as a whole. Historically the working class has had too narrow a definition, without enough recognition of intersectionality of different identities and struggles. We seek to remedy this. This means that we place a large emphasis on organizing non-traditional workers. BIPOC individuals, the LGBTQIA2+ community, the unhoused, migrants, refugees, the disabled, those with a history of behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, those fleeing domestic violence, and the incarcerated are all welcome in our union. We are made up of these very communities, this is an organization created BY, and FOR these communities.

Values

Solidarity –

An awareness of shared interests, objectives, standards, and  sympathies creating a psychological sense of unity of groups or classes. Solidarity does not reject individuals and sees individuals as the basis of society. It refers to the ties in a society that bind people together as one.

Mutual Aid –

A voluntary reciprocal exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit. Mutual aid projects are a form of political participation in which people take responsibility for caring for one another and changing political conditions. Mutual aid has been a factor in the very evolution of our species, it is the human impulse to survive.

Direct Democracy –

A form of democracy in which people act directly to voice their needs and concerns and propose actions. There are no representatives in this model, everyone participates in the creation of the project. Everyone has a voice, and all voices are equal.

All of these values are demonstrated by the IWW constitution, which governs the organization of the IWW. We further commit to them by practicing them in our daily lives. Below is a history of our current work demonstrating these values in action.

Current Work –

Throughout the last few years our organizers have been busy conducting listening sessions, and surveys within the unhoused community in Aberdeen. Asking them what their needs are and working together to meet those needs. To do this work we have partnered with community organizations and businesses. We are proud to be an affiliate of the Chehalis River Mutual Aid Network, as we have helped to organize multiple programs such as a weekly community meal, daily food delivery service, harm reduction supply distros, needle exchanges, clothing and blanket drives, and direct aid. For more information on these projects visit their website.

We are also working closely with the employee owned cooperative business Blackflower Collective LLC in working towards the construction of a low income eco village with wrap around social services present on site. Their vision is vast and encompasses many of the things we want to see happen on the Harbor. We are grateful to them for their support in the formation of this venture. Their work within the network has been critical for pushing people towards collective action and community level organizing. Our project is born out of this hard laid groundwork. For more information visit their website.