What people are saying

FIGHTING FOR OUR DEMOCRACY AND OUR FUTURE IN THE AGE OF TRUMP

“Your inspirational message to our delegates was educational and thought provoking.” – Lonnie Stephenson, International President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

“Your presentation was impressive.  We will be in touch.” – Richard Lanigan, International President, Office of Professional Employees International Union

“Great job yesterday, everyone was impressed.” – Steve Pendergrass, President, Iron Workers District Council of the Pacific NW

“Mark presented at our National Electrical Workers Minority Caucus’ 28th Annual Leadership Conference in Detroit.  His presentation was riveting as he held the delegates’ attention throughout.  Mark’s workshops were overflowing and delegates overwhelmingly requested he be invited back.  Thank you, Brother Mark, for the value and thought provoking content you bring.” – Keith Edwards, National President, EWMC

“Your presentation was indeed AWESOME!  You were personally inspiring.  I hope we can bring you back to speak to a larger audience.  In Unity.” – Vonda McDaniel, President, Central Labor Council of Nashville and Middle Tennessee and Executive Council Member of the national AFL-CIO, Nashville TN, May 3, 2018.”

”Mark inspired Carpenter’s Union members and representatives to shift their perspectives to see a fuller history and a more equitable and dynamic future for the labor movement.” – Evelyn Shapiro, President, Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters – February 15, 2018.

“Thank you so much for your efforts, you had a huge positive impact on the majority of our staff.  I look forward to attending your Train the Trainer as soon as we can get something scheduled.” – Dan Hutchins, Director of Contract Administration and Assistant to the Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Pacific NW Regional Council of Carpenters, Tukwila WA

MAKING THE AMERICAN DREAM REAL FOR EVERYONE

“Mark inspired and electrified our Region 9 leadership conference… I strongly recommend Mark to any union wanting to inspire and educate their leaders and activists about the road forward.” – Cindy Estrada, International Vice President, United Auto Workers, Union.

“Mark’s labor presentation is superb…This presentation is a must for modern day unionists.”- Kinsey Robinson, International President, Roofers Union.

“I heard Mark speak at the IBEW’s national Membership Development convention this year….  He is one of the best at informing and motivating.” – Don Siegel, IBEW 3rd District International Vice President (Now retired).

“What is most valuable about Mark’s workshops is the recognition that as we remember our history, we get a sense of optimism and hope that when we come together and focus on what we have in common, rather than what divides us, we can overcome seemingly impossible odds and make progressive change.” – Jeff Johnson, President, Washington State Labor Council.

“His workshop was just fantastic!  It was very educational, not to mention emotional, and overall it was motivational!… This could be the cure for apathy in the labor movement.  It felt like a shot in the arm.” – Sue Palmer, Secretary-Treasurer, Machinists District Lodge 751, Seattle.

“You might call justice and labor educator Mark McDermott a union historian.  Or a walking champion for the working class.  The popular speaker has a gift for bringing past victories to life to inspire constructive action for the future.” – LA Building Trades News.

WINNING BIG IN HARD TIMES:  LEARNING FROM OUR ANCESTORS

“Mark made us laugh, cry, and best of all, believe we can win for working families.  Mark connected with every member in the room. Many of our immigrant members learned our labor history for the first time.” – Karen Hart, President, SEIU 925, Seattle.

“Mark McDermott’s presentation was terrifically engaging.  Myself and members of the union I work for were all fired up.  But especially we were informed.” – Bill Razeto, SPEEA, Seattle.

WHICH SIDE OF HISTORY ARE YOU ON?

“Just a quick note of thanks for your presentation at the 79th Annual Western Conference of Locals of the American Federation of Musicians. It was tremendous and we have received nothing but positive feedback from the delegates.” – Bob Sanders, President, Musicians Local 7, Anaheim CA.

“I attended the Wisconsin Pipe Trades convention last week and just wanted to let you know how moved I was by your presentation.” – Andrew Campeau, Plumbers Local 11, Duluth MN.

“The evaluations from the conference have been very positive and, as always, you were a big part of that.  The young workers spoke very highly of your presentation.” – Alex Tetzlaff, Business Agent, Operating Engineers 420, chair of 8-state Utility Workers Coalition, Green Bay WI.

SPEAKING FROM THE HEART:  USING THE POWER OF OUR PERSONAL STORIES TO INSPIRE ACTIVISM AND WIN ALLIES

I just wanted to let you know that the feedback on your presentation was extremely positive, and that participants really enjoyed the information.” – Nicole Korkolis, Director of Communications, Education and Research, Office and Professional Employees International Union, New York.

“Thank you for a spectacular conference!  My staff was still talking about it this morning.  You moved a lot of people out of their comfort zone and provided a safe place for them to speak from the heart.  I look forward to working with you in the future.” – Denise Jagielo, President, UFCW 367, Tacoma WA.

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