BUILDING COLLECTIVE
WORKER POWER
Our Story
The Awood Center is a dynamic worker-centered organization that creates a culturally and linguistically relevant space to build unity and develop the next generation of leaders in Minnesota’s diverse East African communities.
Founded to address the unique challenges faced by East African workers, specifically in the logistics and warehousing industries, Awood (meaning 'Power' in Somali) is dedicated to ensuring dignity, stability, and safety for all workers.
Our vision is a powerful, organized East African workforce that leads the way in securing fair treatment and economic justice in Minnesota.
STABILITY • UNITY • DIGNITY
Workers
The heart of our movement. Workers leading the way for better conditions and fair treatment.
Community
Our strength comes from the unity of our community members standing together for justice.
Justice
Achieving systemic change through advocacy, organizing, and collective action.
Guiding Principles
Our Approach
Listen & Learn
We start with the workers. Our organizing begins with listening to the challenges faced by community members in their workplaces and understanding the systemic barriers they navigate.
Organize & Unite
We build unity across communities and facilities. By developing grassroots leaders and organizing collective actions, we create a unified voice for East African workers.
Take Action
From legislative advocacy to direct negotiation, we take action to secure tangible improvements in worker safety, pay, and dignity.
WORKER POWER IS...
Worker power is the ability of workers to shape their lives and communities through collective action.