Civic Engagement

Since its inception in 1972, triggered by the contentious presidential reelection bid of Richard Nixon, CBTU (the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists) has been the leading progressive voice for Black workers within the labor movement as well as being the critical bridge between organized labor and the Black community. CBTU has earned respect from elected officials and civic allies for educating and mobilizing millions of voters from marginalized communities. 

CBTU's early and enthusiastic support for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign galvanized the Black labor vote and signaled to the rest of electorate that he would make history on election night. Countless elected officials and appointees have benefited from CBTU's  commitment to building Black political power and sustaining civic engagement.

CBTU's Civic Engagement Initiative -ReadySetVote! - is the voter registration, education and mobilization program that will target voters in key battleground states and recruit volunteers to maximize Black turnout on Election Day. This program is designed to adapt to the headwinds of a global pandemic and the challenge of overcoming massive voter suppression. It leverages our collective resources to train and equip our members to conduct effective voter contact activities aimed at (1) boosting new voter registration, (2) increased voter turnout; and (3) relational organizing through generating one-on-one conversations.

It is Through CBTU’s chapter network in key states, and our community partnerships, and the personal commitment of “each one, reach one,” we will harness our power to be a decisive force in this “do-or-die” election.