In 1991, Columbia University's one thousand clerical workers launched a successful campaign for justice in their workplace. This diverse union -- two-thirds black and Latina, three-fourths women -- was committed to creating an inclusive movement organization and to fighting for all kinds of justice. How could they address the many race and gender injustices members faced, avoid schism, and maintain the unity needed to win? Sharon Kurtz, an experienced union activist and former clerical worker herself, was welcomed into the union and pursued these questions. Using this case study and secondary studies of sister clerical unions at Yale and Harvard, she examines the challenges and potential of identity politics in labor movements.

With the Columbia strike as a point of departure, Kurtz argues that identity politics are valuable for mobilizing groups, but often exclude members and their experiences of oppression. However, Kurtz believes that identity politics should not be abandoned as a component in building movements, but should be reframed -- as multi-identity politics. In the end she shows an approach to organizing with great potential impact not only for labor unions but for any social movement.

Collie, born deaf mute, through her handicap becomes a blessing and useful tool to help others. In her struggle to fit in, she finds sorrow, happiness, and unconditional love. Collie becomes a sign-language teacher and meets Isaiah in one of her classes. He is from the Old Order Amish culture, living in Shipshewana, Indiana. He is losing his hearing and wants to teach his family to sign for better communication.

The Amish people have a simple piety. "A desire to be faithful to God." Collie and Isaiah's story continues on with many directional changes.

My prayer as you read this story is that God will use it to help you understand that any form of handicap and being different, whether in dress, culture, or physical handicap, is a struggle for many people.

For He Himself has said. "I will never leave you or forsake you." KJV

"The book shows an intimacy of Amish life that is rare, a story that made me laugh out loud, shed a tear, and turn page after page. Easy to love." -Mark Schuyler, production reviews, Paramount Pictures