“Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.” Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.*
Every day thousands of individuals make the difficult and dangerous journey to the United States, by land or sea, in the hopes of creating a better life for themselves and their families. Many people are fleeing countries where there is no promise of safety, much less safe work, and where protections against unemployment are unheard of. For years, the United States has held the promise of hope to millions around the world. Specifically, the hope for a better future through economic opportunity for all. We can each relate to the pursuit of a better life through economic stability and eventually prosperity. In the Chicagoland area specifically, there are over 11,000 new arrivals. Each and every new arrival is a human with a unique story, an achievable dream, but most importantly each one is full of hope for the future.
“While employment is often our primary goal, we also contribute to the growth and sustainability of our communities by ensuring individuals and families achieve economic security,” says Matt Weis, President and CEO of National Able Network, “In times of uncertainty, our efforts not only provide people with jobs, but often a sense of dignity, purpose, and hope.”
As we begin a brand-new year full of endless possibilities keep in mind that economic opportunity is the springboard to a better life, which remains a universal right. Through employment we can achieve our hopes and dreams. Someone might pursue work to support their family or save for retirement, or simply for the purpose of self-development and growth. We all work for a reason and this year let us be thankful that we have the right to pursue employment and success. As the need for holiday and temporary workers ebbs and flows throughout the year, remember to be kind and patient. We’re all working for a better future and towards a better future.
