Happy New Year from Freelancers Union’s new Executive Director
Dear Freelancers Union members,
I’m honored to wish you a Happy New Year as Freelancers Union’s new Executive Director. As we look to 2018, the freelance movement faces many challenges ahead, but I feel optimistic and inspired when I think of the members I have worked with throughout my time at Freelancers Union.
In the last seven years I’ve found the freelancing community to be incredibly courageous, talented, and forward-looking. Together, independent workers have bravely pioneered a new way of working and living, and are gaining recognition as the future of work.
I have seen freelancers really come together to have a voice on issues like health care and the successful Freelance Isn’t Free campaign. These efforts have been led by members who are raising their voices on the issues that matter most and organizing locally to build communities.
But as we look to the future, there are key issues that we need to address to help each other thrive. We must continue to build a strong, supportive, connected community of freelancers with a common vision and voice. Together we can ensure freelancers across the country have access to a safety net, have adequate protections for their work and for their treatment in workplaces, and have the resources they need for their businesses to flourish.
I’ll soon be organizing some conversations so we can get to know each other better (you can read more about my background here if you’re curious). I want to understand what’s most important to you and the challenges you’re facing, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts and ideas. I may not be able to respond to everyone individually, but I appreciate your insights, which will help guide our work.
You’ll hear more from me in the coming months, but in the meantime I want to extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to Sara Horowitz, who has been an incredible friend and mentor to me and whom I’ll continue to rely on for advice and guidance. We’re here because of her incredible vision, and owe her an immense debt of gratitude.
I’m so proud to represent this talented and powerful workforce. You’re an incredible group, and I’ve been inspired every step of the way.
I’m looking forward to the great things we have in store for 2018.
Caitlin