Our guiding principle is to build organized worker density in the food chain. We can’t get there if workers don’t have the skills, knowledge, and relationships they need. The FCWA Food Workers Organizing Institute is building that infrastructure with multiple programs that empower food workers and emerging organizers with the tools they need to build and win campaigns.
Berkowitz Leadership Development Cohorts
10-15 worker leaders meet virtually for a three-month course, discussing workplace concerns and learning the basics of organizing, campaign planning, labor history, and racial and gender justice. Facilitation provided by the FCWA organizing team and returning cohort participants. In 2026, these cohorts are named in honor of Debbie Berkowitz, for her major contributions to food worker health and safety.
“It was great to be with people from other places. We usually only have conversations with people from Massachusetts…I learned from everyone, I felt so connected to folks that work in the fields and the person that sells in the street.”
Evelin, Pioneer Valley Workers Center
“Without a doubt, everything we learned in this class is very valuable for us and to feel empowered in our workplace.”
Noemi, Warehouse Workers for Justice
Member Organizer Fellowships
4-5 emerging organizers with FCWA member groups meet virtually for four-six months to share strategies as they build their own organizing campaigns.
Past cohort projects include:
- Farmworker housing surveys
- Building worker-owned co-op
- Making contact with H-2A workers in Washington
- GIS mapping of food warehouses in the Chicago region
- Basebuilding and recruitment with restaurant workers in Washington, D.C.
- Creating a safe house network for injured migrant farmworkers in southern Ontario, Canada
- Research with injured undocumented workers in Cincinnati
Strategic Organizing Trainings
One-off sessions, virtually and in-person, open to all members.
- Salting as an Organizing Strategy
- Understanding the National Labor Relations Board
- Know Your Rights on Immigration
- Holistic Organizational Security
- Deferred Action as a Tool for Organizing
- Organizing Workers Under Racial Capitalism