For more than three years now, we have been documenting the historic movement of Walmart workers who have been standing up, speaking out and organizing for change at the largest private-sector employer on the planet. Over the past year-and-half, we have had a succesful crowdfunding campaign (thanks to our 581 Kickstarter backers!), scores of filming days with our characters around the country, hours of brainstorming on the title, and months of strategizing for a nationwide grassroots screening release.
Today, we are thrilled to announce that the documentary project formerly known as “Can’t Take It No More!” is launching its website, trailer, outreach campaign and new film title — “Dear Walmart.”
We have been so inspired by the grassroots movement of Walmart workers and the many social justice groups that support them, that we are creating our own grassroots screening campaign. Rather than hold our breath waiting on film festivals or distributors to decide if they want to help tell this story, we have decided to bring the film quickly and directly to the communities that want to see it most. Our goal is to offer discounted tickets to any current or former Walmart associates, and to have post-screening discussions with workers, local leaders and social justice organizers, engaging in dialogue around the issues represented in the film – workplace fairness, income inequality, and economic justice.
Walmart is also the largest employer of women, African Americans, and Latinos in the United States. Walmart workers who have been standing up and mobilizing have shown an incredible ability to build bridges and true solidarity among workers of different ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds. It’s a powerful story that demonstrates how coming together around issues of basic respect and fairness in the workplace can build lasting movements for social and economic justice — transforming lives, families and communities in the process.
Please take some time to look through the web site. And please sign up for our email list and let us know if you are interested in being involved with a screening in your community. This involvement can take a variety of forms:
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Host a screening with your local organization. We will ship you a Blu-Ray or DVD with screening packet and work with you to set up a ticketing system. We will also work with you to find local Walmart associates and leaders to participate in a post-screening discussion and Q&A.
- If you are a current or former Walmart associate and would like to participate in a screening Q&A, please email us at [email protected] and we will follow up with you. Your voice matters!
- If you run or work at a movie theater, that makes it’s pretty easy… let’s get the film to your audience-goers!
- If you would like to have a small gathering in your home, we can work with you to make that happen too.
- If you are a national organization that wants to help spread the word to your members, staff and/or supporters, please let us know.
- If you are a writer, journalist, or blogger, we’d love to tell you more about the film!
We believe strongly in getting this film directly to the people who want to see it most, which means going beyond the typical film industry gatekeepers who may only want the film to play in New York City and Los Angeles. We want this film showing in the communities most impacted by Walmart, and the low-road retail economy it represents. We want to hear from YOU! Get involved today and start a conversation with us.
THANK YOU!
The Dear Walmart team