Adam Keller, Northeast Organizer for Alabama Arise

January 16, 2025, Calhoun County Democrats Monthly Meeting 

Speaker:  Adam Keller, Northeast Organizer for Alabama Arise 

Calhoun County Democrats were pleased to welcome Adam Keller, Northeast Organizer for Alabama Arise to our monthly meeting on January 16, 2025.  Adam’s background includes teaching at the high school level, but his obvious passion is organizing for a better Alabama.  Through his work with unions and now as an organizer with Alabama Arise, he demonstrated to our group that change is not only necessary in Alabama, but also possible.

 Adam led us through an inclusive list of the issues that Alabama Arise has identified as priorities for the 2025 Alabama Legislative Session.  Included in his presentation were policy proposals that would lead to a fairer and more just state for all Alabamians.  Among the things he highlighted were voting rights reform, Medicaid expansion, paid parental leave, public school support, state funded public transportation, and criminal justice reform, among others.  One of the most compelling topics he mentioned was the need for better enforcement of child labor laws, noting that the state has only a single inspector for the entire state.  Lack of enforcement has led to multiple cases of children as young as 14 working in dangerous situations such as auto manufacturing and chicken processing plants. 

Adam punctuated his presentation with encouragement that change is not only needed, but possible.  He reiterated that our state representatives work for the people of the state and that our voices and opinions must be brought to their attention.  He provided us with contact information and committee assignments for our legislators.  Extra copies of that list are available at HQ. He also invited us to join Alabama Arise (for a monetary contribution---as little as $5!). Go to alarise.org to learn more.  As a member of Alabama Arise, you are entitled to vote on the issues that you feel should be included on their Legislative Agenda.  You can also receive newsletters and legislative updates, giving you the information you need to contact your representatives regarding your views on legislation that is up for a vote.  Adam also said that while we may not always get the results we seek, we cannot give up.  If we don’t speak, we will never be heard! 

We appreciate Adam taking the time to speak with us and to get us started on the road to the work we can, and must do as we navigate the uncertain path that is 2025. 

------Carsie Evans

Please enjoy the photos from the meeting :)

IMPORTANT FOLLOW UP NOTES FROM ADAM:

• Folks can find more info about Alabama Arise’s 2025 agenda here: https://www.alarise.org/news-releases/alabama-arise-unveils-2025-roadmap-for-change-in-alabama/

• This link will help you determine your legislators if anyone doesn’t know their representatives: http://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/elected-official-map

• You can join Alabama Arise with a donation of any amount at this link: https://www.alarise.org/get-involved/donate-join-arise/

• We also have gift memberships available, so if someone wants to join and can’t afford a donation, they can sign up with this link: https://www.alarise.org/gift-membership-registration/

• As a member, you’ll be eligible to vote each year on the issue priorities and also receive the Daily News Digest, newsletter, and other updates to stay informed.

• The news story that broke the Hyundai child labor scandal is this one from Reuters, though there’s been some good coverage in other outlets since then of course: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/exclusive-hyundai-subsidiary-has-used-child-labor-alabama-factory-2022-07-22/

• Also, I neglected to mention other big union news in Anniston recently, which was that workers at Wells Fargo bank recently organized with the CWA. Between CWA, AFGE, IAM, and other unions in the area, Calhoun County has a pretty strong presence, which I hope could be leveraged for more progressive working class influence politically in the area.