So, obviously as this movement grows, Caitlin and I will probably start to need some help (kind of feels like we need help already!) While we are both pretty competent ladies, there's also only so many skills we have between us. So we are going to start a sort of "chore list" here where we may have some missing skills and/or knowledge, and if you see something that you could maybe assist with, you can "sign up" for it here. If you think of something that we might need, list that here also! We know we will need to delegate tasks to maintain momentum and keep this as organized and high functioning as possible, so we are basically asking for all hands on deck. Show us what y'all can do!
So far, we will probably need help with (list will be updated as needed):
Getting a clearer picture of the data (Cody Ferro?)
Those familiar with political lobbying, and/or connections to lobbying apparatus (Mercedes Ortiz-Olivieri?)
Legal/liability
Financial aid knowledge
Website design/development
Tech support
Brand connections
Publication connections
Infection control knowledge (Myra King-Kerge?)
Experience with not-for-profits
Press communications/press release distribution
Marketing/videos/copywriting - (Jess?)
Yes! Here for data help!
After/with that I would love to get a few info graphics together so the data can start making its way into the world! I feel pretty confident about that. Anything on that end that is over my head I’ve got graphic designers in my family circle that will definitely lend me a hand.
On it! Reaching out to some people now.
Fantastic! Thanks so much! If you end up with any contact information or links, be sure to post them here!
Some questions I got that I either didn't have answers for, or that we need to think about:
what is our intention - clearly stated like a business plan: what are we trying to accomplish - do we want money, if so do we want it distributed by feds? state? do we want guidelines? do we want regulations?
we can hire a lobbyist to represent our concerns, and some do pro-bono work or partial pro-bono work (discounted) - fully pro-bono will take much longer (lobbyists can help represent our concerns/issues at both national and local levels and convey consistent messaging across the board)
we should consider raising some funds (gofundme, etc)
are we making sure we can get follow up responses from survey takers?
are we interested in setting up long term representation in the form of an association? - followed by the suggestion we go to PBA to pressure them for more advocacy since they already have some networks and resources (it can take a full year to set up at 501c)
there will always be bureaucracy behind while filing for support, how can we ask that it be a streamlined process and accessible to everyone.
These are great questions, and almost all of them have crossed our mind at some point. Our most pressing goal, at least originally, was to find out what our industries are needing and then either create pressure on larger entities to provide that relief, or perhaps even figure out a way to get/create/develop that relief ourselves. However, since we currently have so little actual advocacy, we have assumed our current primary option for creating that pressure was going to need to come from sheer numbers and volume. Advocacy is likely going to become a long term goal, but as you state above, that takes some time and money.
So in the meantime, what I am thinking is that we want to create some strong networks to push for phasing our industries into operation last, and making sure we are getting relief while we wait. Petitions, email campaigns, talking to the press - just getting as many practitioners to contact anyone and everyone about the particulars of our situation in order to make it clear why we need these considerations.
I could help with putting together a strategic npo “business plan” model for something that reflects the necessary operations for something of this scale and reach. I could also help with lobbying and fundraising.
Hello and thank you for doing this essential work!
I have a phone call tomorrow evening with an investigative reporter at The Washington Post to discuss the issues we’re facing and the lack of representation and consideration we‘re currently dealing with as elected officials plan the process of reopening. I‘d like to present a clear message around our challenges and objectives, so please feel free to share the most important points to include in the conversation. I’d be more than happy to hop on the phone for a proper briefing.
I have some experience in organizing at a grassroots level, fundraising, and working with the press. I’ve been involved with non-profits and organizations that work on local and national levels to support vulnerable communities with legal assistance and/or political advocacy. (Network for Victim Recovery of DC, It’s On Us, Take Back the Night and The United State of Women) As the chore list becomes more specific I may be able to find people who are able to assist in these areas far more effectively than I can. For now, if it‘s helpful, I can offer strategies to equip and empower members of our community to galvanize their networks and propel this movement.
Thank you again for this. After completing the survey I scrolled through the data you’ve presented and my heart aches to see the overwhelming need for mental health support right now. If that isn’t a clear indicator of the struggle we’re facing then I don’t know what is. I’m here and ready to help however I can.
I actually was going through some numbers and facts last night— the 85 Million dollar airline bailout could have covered the annual operating costs of 130,000 average-sized salons or 1.31 million independent operators (suite owners, booth renters, etc).
7 largest airlines pay under $700 million in taxes. While I’m estimating just salons and barbershops (not other beauty establishment) are paying a upwards of of $2 billion annually.
Airlines got $85 billion in bailout money while the top 7 domestic airlines allegedly only generate 30 billion in taxable revenue. (and are taxed at 2.3% if you really want to get angry)
American Airlines’ bailout alone could’ve the covered the operating costs of over 260,000 average sized salons for the next year.
Obviously not saying this is the message- but I think it’s an interesting point when it comes to why we need support.
Thank you for sharing this information.
Here is a bit of a more specific script I wrote up this morning - Feel free to edit down as needed or if you think it needs more, let me know and I can edit, or add your own verbiage.
We are fighting for personal care workers to get the benefits they were promised, and protections for their own health. Having us re-open in early phases when large amounts of PPE are still required for our work indicates that it’s too soon to reopen for a service industry not required for survival. Many are struggling to even get access to adequate personal protection equipment, while those who can are also taking a reduced client load and ultimately may not be able to afford the additional overhead in favor of the extra risk they are being exposed to.
While we may be able to increase prices to cover some of the cost, many clients will be unable to pay it at all due to their own financial troubles during this time, thus resulting in a higher than average client turnover. We may also have to turn away clients coming in from more heavily infected areas to protect communities that still have a low infection rate, even further cutting into our ability to support ourselves. Going beyond that, we have virtually no protection from liability or claims of negligence if clients believe an infection came from our business, which even if unfounded, can still ruin a reputation and take a business down.
For many personal care workers, we are being asked to take on many more costs and risks - both from a health AND financial perspective - for very little benefit in return. It’s not a “choice” when many are forced to make unsafe decisions in the face of financial ruin. We were promised support from our leadership, and we also deserve to be able to return to work safely. We need legislators to address these issues for our industry - push our industries to later phases but also, provide the promised financial support in the meantime, and make sure we have access to the safety items we need once we do go back.
I am onboard to assist.
I created a FB group to help guide my local salon peeps and small businesses owners through all things Covid related. This is to include unemployment filings (challenges and hardships within that program), info and guidance for SBA loans, grant opportunities within our profession, guidance regarding managing creditors and financial business related obligations.
We allowed them a safe space to vent and yell as needed. I have been on our local news channels twice since the closures.
We are a group of about 400, but we need the representation at a higher level. Tell what you need and I will make room in my life to help.
This is a wicked travesty to all small businesses. I have commented about the bailouts corporations have received through taxpayer dollars and how many small businesses would be able to survive from just the bailout of one of those examples. We are being shafted, overlook, under represented and I give them all a big FUCK YOU.
Excellent work! I would say that we have to start locally and then use those connections to go up the ladder. Reach out to your county health department, since they have to coordinate with the state health department, and the county also takes precedence over local jurisdictions than the state does, so they will have greater authority in your area. City councils and Mayors may also be able to provide some direction.
I have written my state constituents and urged others to do the same. Drafted a letter and allowed the group to follow my lead. We have lots of work to do but in order for change we must stay vigilant and true to the course.
It'll be a huge bridge to gap but for others that follow behind us, it'll be worth it in the end.
I’ve been reaching out to industry leaders trying to create something like this to address our lack of infrastructure and governance to support our industry. I would love to help in this cause in any/every way I can, I would dedicate all of my resources and time to this cause because I feel so passionately about it. Please let me know what I can contribute!
Sure! What have you got in mind? What type of leadership are you wanting to connect with, and what sorts of infrastructure/governance are you thinking? Do you mean like a union, or a lobbyist group, or getting more involvement from state boards and health departments?
I'm in for helping!
I am really into the idea of creating a better system for salon financial environments. Contractors work hard and should be allotted the same quality of life as employees. I'm not sure that clients are ready to pay our worth and this industry is not going to be happy with paying taxes all around. So much to think about. I'm wondering how California stylists are doing, seeing that their laws are so much further evolved.
Long term, beauty schools may be a good place to start. Business and financial education is pretty dismal all around, so maybe it would make sense to develop relationships with schools and then do something like set students up with financial advisors that they can take into the workforce with them. Not only will that potentially help them make more money as self-employed/small business owners, it can help them prepare for their futures. I don't think it's a coincidence that such a female dominated field isn't provided with the proper tools to be maximally successful.
Chicago and Munster, Indiana