Testimonials

“Jelger and Lisa have always been committed to leadership development and grassroots union building. Their years of experience and focus on rights at work even without collective bargaining rights give them a unique and important perspective.” – Larry Cohen, chair, Our Revolution and past president, Communications Workers of America

“Lisa and Jelger spent 20 years building a union where members did it all—from handling grievances to running successful contract campaigns. They know what members need to develop the skills and confidence to pull co-workers together and take action. If you want to get members involved, you need Spark.” – Mark Brenner, former Labor Notes director

“Survival of the labor movement depends on training, engaging and empowering rank-and-file members. Nobody did this job better as CWA local union builders than Jelger and Lisa. That’s why I’m encouraging labor organizations to check out Spark Union, a program they’ve developed to assist new member recruitment and shop-floor leadership development. Jelger and Lisa have  trained thousands of of new union activists continuously and effectively, for decades. Their public sector experience is particularly relevant as unions have to cope with “open shop” conditions in more states, and nationwide if the Supreme Court rules, as expected, in the Janus case.” – Steve Early, former international representative and organizer for the Communications Workers of America and administrative assistant to the vice-president, CWA District One.

“I have known Lisa and Jelger for more than ten years. They excel developing leaders, contract organizing campaigning, bargaining, arbitration, and member education. Their knowledge of both the public and private sectors, and their values of insuring a member led organization while upholding union democracy and transparency are important in this age of systemic attacks against unions.” – Kim Carter Martinez, Northern California and New Mexico regional director, Committee of Interns and Residents, SEIU