Pete Meyers

Pete is one of the co-founders of the TCWC (formerly Living Wage Coalition). He hails from South Bend, Indiana. Before moving to Ithaca, Meyers worked, among other things, for four years as a drug counselor in a Brooklyn, NY High School, as well as various other social work types of positions (including three years at Catholic Charities of Tompkins County).

Pete's ultimate commitment is to create a movement for economic and social justice and sees the Workers' Center as the perfect place to do this. "To build such a movement", says Meyers, "requires that we speak to people where they're at. A lack of a Living Wage; a lack of rights in the workplace; and a sense that people are alone ar where most people presently find themselves. The Workers' Center aims to challenge these realities."

Neisha Butler

Neisha was recently hired to fill the position of Community Organizer. She is the mother of seven-year-old Christopher. Says Neisha, "I love what I do. I have been working mediocre jobs for the past seven years. I worked 2-3 jobs in order to get the salary I have now. This job is very rewarding. I get to help people get through the struggles I went through. I am more sympathetic to the workers because I've been there. I know what it's like to work for tips, not get the wages you deserve, working for temp agencies; it's been a struggle, but I'm here!"

Neisha will be working to recruit low wage workers for membership to the TCWC, gather information about local business practices, make contacts with workers and inform them of the services provided by the TCWC. From the members Neisha recruits she will identify potential leaders who will be invited to participate in our Worker Justice Organizing Committee. These new leaders will continue to guide and support other workers at their places of employment, help in future campaigns, encourage other workers who may be helping to form unions and coordinate meetings accordingly.

Jeci Brown

Jeci has been hired to be the coordinator of the Service Learning for Social Justice program. She is the mother of eight-year-old Tia and is excited to bring her experience of working with youth to her position at the TCWC. She will focus on making contacts with area middle schools, high schools and colleges to engage with students in classroom presentations about economic justice issues.

Jeci will be recruiting young people into our Organizing Schools. More specifically, Jeci will be promoting equality and educating students in an effort to eliminate poverty and racism in our community by focusing on local issues and creating outlets so social change can take place. Jeci will also continue her excellent work as the newsletter editor along with involvement in the many campaigns at the TCWC.

Gino Bush

Gino is a long standing member of the Workers' Center, as well as having an incredible commitment to economic, social, and racial justice. Originally from East Harlem in New York City, Gino has been assisting the Workers' Center through the Experience Works program. Specifically, Gino is out in the community daily representing the Workers' Center to amazingly diverse sections of the community.