Data Visualization: Turning Data Into Power

This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the art and strategy of data visualization for labor research, organizing, and advocacy. We’ll explore how to transform datasets into compelling visuals that inform, persuade, and mobilize. Drawing from real-world examples in labor policy and worker justice campaigns, the session will cover the fundamentals of effective data visualization—how to choose the right chart type, use color and design for clarity, and avoid common pitfalls that distort meaning. Participants will learn how to frame visual narratives that elevate worker experiences and make labor data more accessible to diverse audiences using real labor datasets and user-friendly tools for creating professional-looking visuals. Whether you’re building a research brief, a campaign flyer, or a social media post, this seminar will help you turn raw numbers into persuasive stories. No prior experience required—just a desire to make data more democratic and impactful.

Alí Bustamante is the director of the Roosevelt Institute’s worker power and economic security program. Alí specializes in how public policy can shape markets to prioritize both economic and social value, empowering Americans through public goods and robust labor protections.