Supporting the behind the scenes workers at the Capitol
January 9, 2021 5:14 PM Subscribe
Is there a relief fund or somewhere I can donate to support the janitorial and facilities staff at the Capitol in the aftermath of Wednesday's insurrection?
Like the rest of Metafilter, I have been watching in mute horror as the news surrounding the Capitol riot unfolds. Tonight, I saw the video that is circulating of some of the building janitorial staff, all of them Black or brown men, cleaning up the destruction left behind. Is there anything I can do to offer material support to these people as they bear the brunt of the practical considerations of returning to the work of democracy?
I'm a union worker and I think it's likely that these guys are, too. Is there a way for me to direct a payment to them that way? Even something like ordering a bunch of food and having a catered meal for the staff is something I would consider, although I recognize it is not super practical.
I am not local to the DC area.
Like the rest of Metafilter, I have been watching in mute horror as the news surrounding the Capitol riot unfolds. Tonight, I saw the video that is circulating of some of the building janitorial staff, all of them Black or brown men, cleaning up the destruction left behind. Is there anything I can do to offer material support to these people as they bear the brunt of the practical considerations of returning to the work of democracy?
I'm a union worker and I think it's likely that these guys are, too. Is there a way for me to direct a payment to them that way? Even something like ordering a bunch of food and having a catered meal for the staff is something I would consider, although I recognize it is not super practical.
I am not local to the DC area.
What plonkee says. Employees of Congress generally cannot accept gifts, including meals (even something as small as a hotdog, it would be an ethics violation).
posted by jessica fletcher did it at 5:33 AM on January 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by jessica fletcher did it at 5:33 AM on January 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you both. I suppose it's actually a good thing that federal employees can't accept gifts (or hot dogs) from the public. I'm going to see if my union can help, and I'm also going to write a card and mail it...somewhere.
That Architect of the Capitol website is incredible in its own right! Like George Costanza, I've long harbored a secret dream of becoming an architect, and this mixture of architecture and history is just my kind of rabbit hole.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 5:22 AM on January 11, 2021
That Architect of the Capitol website is incredible in its own right! Like George Costanza, I've long harbored a secret dream of becoming an architect, and this mixture of architecture and history is just my kind of rabbit hole.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 5:22 AM on January 11, 2021
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I assume they have to comply with some rules about accepting hospitality/gifts as a federal employee and going through their union (if there is one) may be the best approach.
posted by plonkee at 4:57 AM on January 10, 2021 [2 favorites]