“I became an organizer because I wanted something I could be passionate about.” 
—Iris Rivera, organizer, Texas Federation of Teachers-AFT, 2006 OI graduate

“I think it is imperative that this generation understands that they have a voice in their workplace. Currently we work under conditions that our grandparents would not have stood for. Even though most of us do not work in factories, we deserve the respect and rights of the working people. This generational gap is what led me to become an organizer.” 
—Candace Castillo, 2006 OI graduate, United Teachers of New Orleans-AFT (UTNO-AFT) Organizing Campaign

“Empowering a people is one of the most fulfilling acts to which anyone can be committed. Participating in AFL-CIO's OI program has afforded us the opportunity to help empower and rebuild the broken community of New Orleans. Learning on the ground floor while working on a historic campaign has been a priceless experience.”
—Justin Tzuanos, 2007 OI graduate and apprentice with UTNO-AFT Organizing Campaign