Evy’s success was partially rooted in her connection to the issues for which she was lobbying. She began organizing textile workers in New Jersey in 1937. In 1956 she became the legislative director for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, and remained a lobbyist on Capitol Hill for 46 years. Anna Burger, of the Change to Win Coalition, spoke of Evy’s willingness to speak with workers and congress people alike; she understood that her power came from the people she represented and her authority came from her own experience as a worker.

           Evy’s success also came from her passion and belief in the ability to improve worker’s lives. Representative George Miller (D-CA) and Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) lauded the long hours Evy put in lobbying and the many nights she stayed up until two or three a.m. monitoring a vote in the legislature. Such passion shaped pay equity, family and medical leave, workplace safety, increases in the minimum wage, and trade policy. Evy’s dedication and energy could not be replaced by the modern day conveniences of a laptop or Blackberry.

Many speakers remarked that, “Evy Dubrow was the union label,” which I interpreted to mean that she embodied the ideas of principles of the union for which she advocated. I left the memorial service feeling inspired and with a deeper understanding of how to embody the economic justices issues for which I will be advocating throughout the year.