What does it really mean to be a union steward—and what does it take to be a good one? In this episode, we break down the role, responsibility, power, and professionalism that come with representing your coworkers. We talk about why trained stewards matter, how stewards can hold management accountable while still building productive relationships, and why taking the title means committing to doing the work. Because strong unions start with informed members, trained stewards, and real leadership in the workplace.

Plus, we recognize Catina Gray as our Member of the Week for being a steward who continues to show up, advocate, ask questions, and do the work!

People often say, “The union ain’t political.” But is that really true?

In this episode, I challenge that idea by breaking down why every strong union starts with engaged members. I talk about why contracts don’t just happen—they’re built. They’re built when members speak up, fill out bargaining surveys, share what’s happening in their workplaces, stay informed, and support one another throughout the bargaining process.

I also explain the difference between the Bargaining Team and the Contract Action Team, why negotiations can take months, and why patience, participation, and solidarity matter if we want stronger contracts and better working conditions.

This episode also takes you with me to the Loyola University Chicago May Day Strike, where I had the opportunity to stand in solidarity with workers fighting for a fair contract. You’ll hear my conversation with Michael Paradiso-Michau, a Loyola philosophy teacher and Contract Action Team member, as he shares why he chose to stand on the picket line and what collective action means to him.

You’ll also hear from Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons (7th District) as we discuss why it’s important for elected officials to stand with working people—not just during election season, but when workers are fighting for dignity, respect, and fair treatment.

My hope is that after listening to this episode, you’ll see that building a stronger union isn’t just the responsibility of union leadership—it’s the responsibility of all of us. Every survey, every meeting, every conversation, every button, every rally, and every act of solidarity matters.

Because it all starts with the members.

🎙️ The Power in Us Podcast is produced and hosted by Sable Russell, Mixed and Mastered by EGOR.

In this episode of The Power in Us, we take an honest look at one of the most important questions facing unions today: How do unions lose their power?

This conversation breaks down four major issues that weaken unions from within: fear, lack of engagement, opting out, and choosing comfort over collective strength. We discuss how fear and retaliation silence workers, how disengagement disconnects members from the very structure meant to protect them, and how opting out doesn’t solve problems—it removes your voice from decisions that still impact your livelihood. We also unpack the dangers of choosing comfort, relationships, or convenience over accountability and collective power.

This episode challenges members to rethink what it truly means to be part of a union and why understanding our role matters now more than ever.

We also highlight our very first Member of the Week, Tracy Evans of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). Tracy has dedicated over 30 years of service to CHA and spent decades as a steward, chief steward, and bargaining team member, helping negotiate multiple contracts and advocating for workers throughout her career.

Through Tracy’s experiences, this episode gives listeners a real glimpse into how strong union leaders can become burned out, unsupported, and discouraged when members are disconnected or uninformed. Her story reminds us why supporting our stewards, educating ourselves, and staying engaged is critical to protecting our collective power.

A special thank you to Tracy Evans for her years of leadership, service, sacrifice, and commitment to workers.

Hosted by Sable Russell. Mixed and Mastered by EGOR.