optiMize statement on labor actions at U-M
The mission of optiMize is to passionately pursue a just and sustainable future by asking ourselves, “Why not me?” For almost a decade, we have been widely promoted for our commitment to student-led social change. We are grateful for the consistent support and encouragement we’ve received from the University of Michigan to advance this crucial work.
This fall, thousands of our fellow students and workers have asked, “Why not us?” and joined together to demand justice, health, and safety for all members of our community. The most urgent calls have come from the people experiencing danger on the frontlines of the campus reopening — GSIs, RAs, dining staff, and people of color who are most affected by policing both on and off campus. Some frontline workers are optiMize members, and we see the courage that is required from them in this moment. We also see the price our teammates have been forced to pay for their convictions.
We believe collective action is a legitimate and historically effective means to achieve justice, we abhor any threats of retaliation or attempts to divide already-vulnerable students and workers, and we are committed to supporting each other through this challenging moment.
None of us were included in the decisions that led us to this fraught moment, and none of us should be pitted against each other. Now is a moment to seek understanding about each other’s concerns, identify shared interests, and learn how to work together toward a better future. That’s only possible if we begin from a place of support for our fellow students and workers as we all work for collective justice, health, and safety. We are in solidarity with you.
In addition, we have already begun adapting optiMize programming to be as supportive and relevant as possible in this moment of student-led change. In the spirit of our mission, we will offer love and care however we can to our fellow students and workers who are illuminating new possibilities for us all.
-The optiMize organizing team