Citizen’s Labor and Energy Coalition 40th Reunion

Friends and former activists/leaders/organizers in CLEC and Citizen Action—

In the midst of these challenging and inspiring times—we think it is time for a reunion for those who helped to build the Citizen Labor Energy Coalition or CLEC (and allied organizations, like Citizen Action and Energy Action).

We will gather in Washington, DC at the National Education Association building (NEA: 1201 16^th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036) on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019; with a reception (with heavy hors d’oeuvres) and an hour-long Program.  The entire event will be from 5:30 – 8:30 pm, beginning with a Happy Hour, prior to the Program starting at 6 p.m.. We will also be acknowledging those who are no longer with us, including Barbara Shailor, among others.  (Thanks to the NEA and John Stocks for contributing their beautiful space for this gathering.)  Program to follow.

CLEC was a remarkable organization that began in 1978, led by President Bill Winpisinger of the Machinists Union, along with President Jerry Wurf of AFSCME, President Doug Fraser of UAW; and President JC Turner of the Operating Engineers and the emerging statewide organizations, plus various public interest and faith organizations.

Citizen Labor Energy Coalition not only won impressive victories on energy issues for consumers, it also built an alliance among labor, community and faith organizations that had been fractured during the politics of the Cold War.  Building these alliances state wide (as opposed to only national or community groups), allowed for the creation of the current progressive state power infrastructure.  In alliance with Citizen Action, and Energy Action, this became key to the growth of multi-issue grassroots organizations.  After 1980, with the entry into electoral politics, these alliances advanced the integration of political and issue-organizing operations at a time when this was both rare and controversial.

This reunion will be an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, pass on the history and legacy of this work and support those who are working on these issues today. We hope you can join us.

Please RSVP https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2cCaV_qNVeVffjv1imSJmrt_5jiqamnPTnIBNFCCMXJBOnQ/viewform

Please share widely with others who were involved or would be interested to know about this event and share a memory of those times, if possible.

Sincerely,

Ira Arlook

Heather Booth

Liz Burke

Bob Brandon

Barbara Helmick

Cathy Hurwit

Skip Laitner

Mike Lux