A nonpartisan grassroots movement
Fight for a Living Wage
Affordability is the crisis of our time. Every American deserves to earn enough to live with dignity. Not just survive. Live.
A nonpartisan grassroots movement
Affordability is the crisis of our time. Every American deserves to earn enough to live with dignity. Not just survive. Live.
Chapter 1
The richest country in the world is leaving its people behind. Affordability has become a crisis, and most Americans are feeling it every single day.
of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.
of young adults live with their parents. That's higher than during the Great Depression.
in credit card debt. Americans can't afford their lives.
of bankruptcies are caused by medical bills, and 75% of those people had insurance.
So what's at the root of all this?
Chapter 2
That's the federal minimum wage. It hasn't changed since 2009.
$7.25 is a joke. But let's be clear: $15 per hour won't cut it either.
The 2025 poverty level for a single person is $15,650. A full-time worker earning the federal minimum wage makes just $15,080, literally below the poverty line. Even $15/hr doesn't provide an adequate income in major metro areas. The minimum wage isn't just broken. It's dead. The entire dialogue needs to shift to a living wage.
~$15,080/year, barely above the poverty line.
~$50,000+/year. Enough to live with dignity.
A living wage covers the basics: Food, Shelter, Healthcare, Childcare, Education, and the ability to Save. No more than 30% on housing. Enough to actually live, not just exist.
The Next Generation
Two entire generations, the largest in American history, are facing a reality their parents never did: working full-time and still not being able to afford the basics.
The median home price is now over 5x the median household income. For previous generations, it was 2-3x.
$1.7 trillion in student loans. The cost of education has risen 1,200% since 1980 while wages stayed flat.
Financial stress is the #1 driver of anxiety for young Americans. They're not lazy. The system is rigged against them.
If you're a Gen Z or Millennial who's tired of being told to "work harder" while the deck is stacked against you: this movement is for you.
Think About It
Steph Curry earns $25,000 per hour. A worker at his arena might not even earn $15.
That worker would need to live 21 lifetimes to earn what Curry makes in a single year.
We're not against anyone earning what they can. We just believe everyone deserves enough to live.
The Reality
Americans are constantly told we're the best. The data tells a very different story. Among developed nations, we rank near the bottom on the things that matter most.
Highest per capita spend of any developed country, yet the lowest life expectancy and highest infant mortality rate.
U.S. students rank 34th in math, 9th in reading, and 16th in science among developed nations.
Worst of the developed countries for early childhood investment. U.S. spends $500/child vs. $14,000 average.
Of personal bankruptcies are caused by medical bills, and 78% of those people had health insurance.
The U.S. is the only major developed country that does not provide or mandate parental leave.
Americans save 4.6% of income vs. 15.3% in Europe. Lower-income Americans are locked out of investment tools.
Addressing Affordability Since Day One
The buzz word in the media is AFFORDABILITY, but FFLW has been fighting for affordability since our inception. Affordability isn't a talking point for us. It's our entire mission.
Our Mission
Fight For A Living Wage is a nonpartisan, grassroots 501(c)(3) movement dedicated to ensuring every American who works full-time can afford the basics: food, shelter, healthcare, childcare, education, and the ability to save. We advocate, educate, empower, and hold elected officials accountable, because a living wage isn't a political issue. It's a human one.
Leading with care in every conversation, every policy, every action we take.
Understanding the struggles of working Americans because we've lived them too.
Walking in the shoes of every worker who's been told they don't deserve more.
Chapter 3
Fight For A Living Wage is building a national grassroots movement to make the living wage the standard, not the exception.
Push for policies that ensure every full-time worker earns a living wage.
Spread the truth about wage inequality and what a living wage actually means.
Build grassroots networks that amplify the voices of working Americans.
Rate elected officials on their commitment to a living wage for all.
Americans have pledged
Next milestone: 50,000
Recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual, we pledge to uphold the principle of a living wage as essential for the well-being and flourishing of all Americans.
Take the PledgeChapter 4
We're an all-volunteer team united by one belief: every American deserves dignity.
Former IBEW union member who rose to become CEO of a NYSE publicly traded company with 7,000 employees. He's been on the shop floor and in the boardroom, and he's seen how profits overtook people.
"I have two Millennial children who are smart and struggling to get ahead. The American Dream is slipping away. I'm devoting the rest of my life to this fight."
"I am passionate about making sure people my age, and every worker, can actually afford to live, not just get by."
"No one should have to choose between feeding their families and paying rent or utilities. I also believe that no one should have to work seven days a week, everyone deserves time off with their family."
"By strengthening FFLW's website and online presence, I aim to create a digital space that amplifies voices, builds solidarity, and drives collective action toward economic justice."
"I support Fight for a Living Wage because everyone who works hard deserves to earn enough to live with dignity, stability, and peace of mind. A living wage isn't about asking for more than what's fair — it's about recognizing the value of people's labor and building a society where hard work meets respect and economic security."
"Being a part of a living wage is important to me, as growing inflation, harmful ideals, and vast wealth disparities are causing many people across generations to be unable to afford their necessities."
"I got involved with FFLW because it greatly troubles me that the average American cannot afford a moderate standard of living. That needs to change. FFLW is fighting for that change and I'm on board!"
"Making people aware that so many people are struggling to make ends meet and how necessary a real living wage is, is what makes FFLW such a vital organization for me."
"I support Fight for a Living Wage because everyone deserves dignity, fairness, and the ability to meet basic needs through their work. It's a fundamental step toward a more just and stable society."
Chapter 5
80 million eligible Americans didn't vote in the last election. If just 10 million of them got involved, everything could change. Here's how you can help right now.
It takes 30 seconds. Join 30,048 Americans who have already pledged to fight for a living wage. Then explore other ways to help below.
Take the PledgeFund the fight. Every dollar fuels awareness and action.
See how you can help: outreach, social media, events, research, and more.
See Opportunities"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead