Patriot Award: Dave Mitchell
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Each month, the Bill of Rights Defense Committee recognizes an individual who has done outstanding work in support of civil liberties and the rule of law by honoring her with our Patriot Award. Last June, we were proud to honor Dave Mitchell for his remarkable commitment to the Bill of Rights.
Originally from Newton, MA, Dave graduated from Stanford University in 2009, where he majored in biology with a concentration in political science. While at Stanford, Dave was a member of the Stanford Labor Action Coalition (SLAC), a group that works with students, faculty, workers, and labor unions to defend workers’ rights. Dave also joined Stanford Stands Up, a social justice group that addresses accountability, transparency, democracy, and the right to dissent.
After working in a molecular biology lab in Virginia, Dave realized that he wanted a career more aligned with his passion for civil liberties and labor organizing. He joined the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where Dave worked on a statewide higher education food service worker organizing campaign in Columbus, OH, and a statewide homecare provider campaign in Madison, WI.
Drawing on his work with Stanford Stands up, Dave sought volunteer opportunities with an organization devoted to civil liberties, which brought him to BORDC. Dave interned for BORDC beginning last August, working diligently on outreach to local coalition partners across the country to build campaigns to stop racial profiling. Dave also contributed twice-weekly posts to the People’s Blog for the Constitution.
Dave is currently a worksite organizer for SEIU food service workers in San Jose, CA, where he represents workers rights and interests. He handles grievances, negotiation, ushers cases through arbitration, and helps ensure the accountability of union leadership to the membership.
BORDC commends Dave Mitchell for his activism in support of civil liberties and the rule of law. He offers a powerful example of how one person can make a difference.


