In 2012 when BAVC was awarded support from the Department of Labor through the San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD) to assist freelancers working in media and technology with developing entrepreneurial skills, we knew we had a chance to provide services for those dedicated to making their own rules at a crucial juncture. The tools for media and technology production and the platforms for distruption change almost daily, and entire industries built upon specialized skills, knowledge, and modes of production (print journalism, documentary film, graphic and information design, television production, computer engineering, and more) are crumbling, being reimagined, falling, and rising again with little stability on the near horizon. In this shifting landscape, with OEWD support, BAVC launched its newest initiative for media and technology freelancers, Gig Union.
Now on the verge of closing out its third program year, Gig Union serves more than 600 members through a variety of events, workshops and classes, in addition to providing a freelance resource Wiki and job placement connections. As BAVC closes out its formal support from the City and considers the role of a resource like Gig Union moving forward, we took some time to look at Gig Union’s membership and what lessons we can all learn from who BAVC is serving, how the economy and growth of contract work is changin the workforce playing field, and what we all need to consider as we prepare for the biggest shift in how Americans work since the industrial revolution.
