We are thrilled to welcome Craig Ickler to the Cleveland Owns team as the Energy Democracy Organizer!
Craig is a committed organizer and passionate about advancing democracy on and off the shopfloor. Originally from Portland, Oregon Craig worked for a local SEIU affiliate, helping to build healthcare justice for Oregon’s homecare workers. Now in Cleveland, Craig is excited to build collective ownership of our power! When not organizing, Craig enjoys riding his bike and spending time with his two cats (though not at the same time!)
In Portland, Craig was involved with his local union, CWA 7901, as a steward and three time bargaining committee member. He has seen how racial capitalism breaks people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He has also witnessed how important workplace democracy is for rebuilding people’s spirit. It is a core belief of his that these benefits are not given but won through struggle and solidarity.
Since moving to Cleveland in May of 2020, and working in workforce development, he has quickly fallen in love with the city. Cleveland and Northeast Ohio is a special place and he is excited to work with Cleveland Owns and the people as the Energy Democracy Organizer to build a just transition and take ownership of their power - in more ways than one!
As Energy Democracy Organizer, Craig will focus on supporting the Cleveland Solar Cooperative build Ohio's first community-owned solar array.