A note from Future@Work organizers: a career fair in an arts festival, 9/21

Dear Friends,

We’re writing to you not just as co-designers of Future@Work, a career fair within 2025 Street Works Earth, but as co-dreamers of a future that works for all of us.

In times like these, imagining what comes next — let alone believing it could be better — feels almost impossible. Democracy is faltering, climate policies are being dismantled, and injustice is intensifying. For many, chronic crises like housing instability, financial stress, and exhaustion make long-term planning feel out of reach. 

While art is not a cure-all, it is more essential than ever. Art gives us hope and sparks imagination when the world tries to shrink our sense of possibility. And for those living in constant crisis, imagination can be a tool for survival. But imagination must be met with opportunity. We also need skills, strategies, and relationships to build lives that are sustainable and match our identities. 

Concentrated mostly from 12-2 PM on 9/21, Future@Work is a space dedicated to exploring climate work as a career path for people of all ages. Because we want people to dream about a better future and take concrete steps to build it without sacrificing their survival. 

At Future@Work, you’ll find what we’re working on and ways to get involved. And if you have ideas that aren’t listed, we’d love to hear from you at collective@makejusticenormal.org.

With imagination,

Future@Work Co-Designers: ALIGN, El Puente, We Act for Environmental Justice, Waterfront Alliance, Kaleidospace, Veggie Nuggets, Street Works, Make Justice Normal