Adrienne Alexander: Lobbying for Laborers

Messy Jesus Business

Season 5, Episode 2 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh. "Little by little, you can make a difference in people's lives."-Adrienne Alexander LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh talks with Adrienne Alexander about her family's faith beginnings and how she got involved in politics, social justice and the labor movement. They talk about progress, how it can be slow, yet worthwhile. "I play a lot of defense in my job, but it is incredibly rewarding when you do have those wins that steel you for the next 10 years," Adrienne says. They discuss labor negotiations and the mess of lobbying for justice. "Solidarity is something that's kind of counter-cultural, especially in American individualistic society when everybody's just...trying to personally get ahead," Adrienne explains. Sister Julia and Adrienne also take a look at the labor issues of 2022, including the fight for fair wages, and the importance of protecting essential workers and immigrants who are most vulnerable to risk. And they explore how Adrienne finds hope in the midst of messy politics. ABOUT THE GUEST: Adrienne Alexander has worked at AFSCME Council 31 since 2010 and currently serves as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. She serves on the boards of the Catholic Labor Network and Arise Chicago, a nonprofit organization that works at the intersection of faith and workers' rights. Adrienne is a graduate of Agnes Scott College, a small, women’s college in Georgia, and earned her Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two daughters, where they attend St. Benedict the African. Contemplative Moment is adapted from the Prayer for Labor Day. MESSY JESUS BUSINESS is produced and hosted by Sister Julia Walsh, and edited by Charish Badzinski. Email us at [e-mail] BE SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness https://www.instagram.com/messyjesusbusiness Twitter: @messyjesusbiz SUPPORT US: https://www.patreon.com/messyjesusbusiness