Roy Benjamin

Welcome

My name is Roy Benjamin. I am a graduate student in the Master of Nonprofit Leadership Program at Seattle University. This spring, I am doing a research project titled Labor’s Leadership Challenge in the New Era: Inspiring & Engaging Union Members and the Public. I chose this topic to explore how Labor leaders are inspiring and engaging union members and the public. Having  been an activist and third generation member of the Machinist Union, chief shop steward in several shops that I worked in, and once organized a union shop, I have a keen interest in the subject.

What is the purpose of the study?

I launched this study to get a better understanding of how the labor movement can embrace the opportunities for leadership presented in today’s socio-economic environment. We know that Labor has been in decline for over 4 decades, with the advance of right to work laws, well-funded right-wing disinformation campaigns, and hostile Supreme Court rulings like the Janus decision that resulted in many of the 5.9 million state and local public employees discontinuing their membership. Labor unions continue to evolve and adapt. I am interested in learning more about your experiences working in the labor movement.

Who are you interviewing?

For this study, I am interested in speaking to labor leaders, educators, and activists. Participation in this study is voluntary.

What is the format of the interviews?

I am inviting you to participate in a 45-minute interview. All interviews will take place remotely via Zoom. You will have the choice to participate in a video call, or to call in by phone.

During our conversation, we will be asking you questions such as:

• Tell me about your work or role at your organization. What does your work look like day to day?
• If the international labor movement achieves its current vision, which social and economic changes will occur?
• What is the primary challenge to the labor movement today?
• How is the labor movement currently reaching union members and the public?

There are no right or wrong answers to the questions, or desirable or undesirable answers. We would like you to feel comfortable telling us what you really think.

How do I sign up?

You can sign up for an interview using this link: https://calendly.com/rbenjamin-1/interview-labor-leadership Links to an external site. 

I look forward to our conversation. 

How will you ensure privacy during the study?

All of the information you provide will be kept confidential and your name and place of employment will not be used in any public dissemination of the data I collect. I will share trends in the data, including types of job titles, race, ethnicity and gender identities represented in the study, but that information will not be associated with you as an individual.

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Seattle University, and is guided by the principles outlined by the IRB for the protection of human subjects.

You can read more information and access the informed consent form here Download here

What will you do with the information you gather?

I will be writing up the results of the study and presenting the results at the MNPL Capstone Festival on Saturday, June 5. I believe that this research will provide greater understanding of communication principles for reaching out to engage and inspire union members, seek collaboration with other progressive organizations, and the public.

I will also share the results of our research with you and the other participants. My hope is that the results are useful to you as you plan your future work.

For more information:

I can be reached by email at rbenjamin@seattleu.edu. If you would like more information about the MNPL capstone projects, you can also contact Professor Feit at feitm@seattleu.edu.

Thank you

I know that your time is valuable and I am grateful for your willingness to share your experiences and insights with me.