Five Questions for Halleli Zacher of the Evergreen Workers Union

Today we’re launching a new series in which we talk to young workers across the country who are making “good trouble” as John Lewis taught us—and making a big difference. First up is Halleli Zacher who works for Washington Conservation Action and is a member of the Evergreen Workers Union, Local 7800 in Washington State. Halleli is on the organizing committee and the “Ministry of Solidarity and Joy.” Halleli was kind enough to sit down with me a couple of weeks ago for a short Q and A session, so I could learn more about her journey as a young leader.

Note: We’ll feature more young activists like Halleli in future newsletters and on our social media, so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

What first sparked your interest in becoming an environmental activist?

I’m Jewish and grew up with a concept called tikkun olam, or “repair the Earth.” It refers to the pursuit of social justice and taking care of the Earth. The Earth is sacred, and it’s our duty to take care of it and create a space for us all to share, so that’s a lot of the reason I’m an environmentalist today.

How does your union activism connect with other aspects of your life and values?

My personal activism has always been around community and collective action. When you have a lot of people doing small actions together, that’s what makes a difference. That’s our mentality in Evergreen Workers Union, and we are all here for each other in a strong and true way. You really get that support in a strong union.

Who has inspired you or mentored you along your journey and how?

I’m inspired by Isias Hernandez, a TikTokker who goes by queerbrownvegan. They talk about veganism through an intersectional and environmental lens. They discuss how their words will impact many different groups and are not afraid to call white people out. Their content is informative, factual, subversive to mainstream environmentalism, and accessible. I’d like to connect and reach people in the same way they are able to.

Is there a skill or ability you think all young workers and activists need?

I think it’s important to learn how to challenge power dynamics. Being a junior staff member in the environmental field—or any other field—is hard. There’s usually such a big age gap and power gap between younger workers and older managers. You have to learn how to push back and you need to know that’s why you’re there! A lot of companies and nonprofits want and need young workers, but they have to learn that we think differently about things, and they have to listen to us. That’s why a union is important: You have someone to back you up when you’re pushing back as a young person on power dynamics in any workplace.

Finally, is there a book, movie, or piece of music that inspires you to keep going when things get tough?

I love Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. It’s a sci-fi book, and the idea is that ordinary people are the power in the world! Change is inevitable, but we have to understand that we are the ones that can make the changes happen. We can put ourselves in charge of the changes in the world as we walk through life.