Local 73’s Voices: Deborah Goodman, Adjunct Professor, Dance Department @ Loyola University

SEIU Local 73 has 30,000+ members, each with their own story to tell. “Local 73’s Voices” aims to highlight what makes our members so incredible. From what it means to be part of a union to what inspires their actions, we shine a light on the people who make our Local as unique as it is.

Deb Goodman, an Adjunct Professor at Loyola’s Dance Department, knows that dance choreography is a symphony of movements coming together as one–not unlike workers coming together as part of a union.

“A union isn’t a third party. The union is us. It’s workers that have a reason to come together, be collective, [and] have a shared voice,” says Deb. “Having a union creates communities, which are stronger than individuals.”

Her passion for labor is only matched by her passion for dance, even beyond the classroom. As Creator and Founder of the Chicago Inclusive Dance Festival, Deb has fostered outlets for people of all backgrounds through this annual community building event that brings together people with and without disabilities for movement exploration. Want to see the magic for yourself? This year’s event will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24, from 12:30p-4:30p at the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (2102 W Ogden Ave). RSVP here.

Check out our full discussion with Deb in the video below: