Cassie Urbenz - The Independent Florida Alligator

Nicole Borman

OPINION | COLUMNS

Preventing the well of well-run organizing from running dry

By Cassie Urbenz | July 22

Hinting upon this idea last time as I spoke of how intersectionality can help us in the fight against burnout, bringing new members into the fold of leadership is more important than ever. As I, and a plethora of other organizers scramble to help build new leadership, I can’t help but think of the path I took to my current place and how to acclimate others to the difficult job of navigating activism in Florida.

Nicole Borman

OPINION | COLUMNS

Intersectionality as a solution to activism burnout

By Cassie Urbenz | July 8

As you become more entrenched in activism at UF and in Gainesville, you quickly begin to see familiar faces. It can be rewarding, but sometimes it can feel like you are the only ones organizing, and it gets rough when you need to plan action and get a LOT of things done in a short amount of time… all on top of your schoolwork, job and personal life.

Nicole Borman

OPINION | COLUMNS

Leave it to the professionals: The trend of legislative attacks on higher education in Florida

By Cassie Urbenz | July 1

Almost a year ago on July 1, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 256 — a bill specifically intended to limit the power of unions in the state. The challenge that the Florida Legislature forced upon us has developed in several ways. While we have seen a growing community stand behind our unions, we have also seen an escalation of attacks on the groups we have a responsibility to protect.

Aubrey Bocalan

OPINION | COLUMNS

An ‘upmound’ battle: Land acknowledgements at UF

By Cassie Urbenz | Nov. 20, 2023

Fighting for land acknowledgments at UF has been a battle up a much steeper, larger mound than the one in Safety Harbor.

Aubrey Bocalan

OPINION | COLUMNS

Joining Together: Queer joy in the LGBTQ+ community

By Cassie Urbenz | Oct. 23, 2023

I’ve been out since I was 12 years old. Being queer isn’t easy, but it is joyful

Aubrey Bocalan

OPINION | COLUMNS

Raising the bar(gain): GAU’s bittersweet historic win

By Cassie Urbenz | Sep. 19, 2023

Despite the attacks on unions from Florida's legislature, Graduate Assistants United has achieved a historic win for our members. As a certified labor union, we have the legal authority to bargain with our employer over our Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Aubrey Bocalan

OPINION | COLUMNS

Union under siege: GAU, SB-256 and you

By Cassie Urbenz , Eva Garcia and Jacob Fiala | Sep. 5, 2023

Effective July 1, the Florida Legislature passed SB 256 — a bill specifically intended to limit the power of educators labor unions in the state. Among other things, the bill requires educators unions like GAU to obtain and maintain 60% membership.