Now that the holidays are officially over, people are trudging back to school, work and everyday life. What welcomes us back isn't always something to look forward to: more news of human right violations, workplace exploitation and organizing objectives that can seem overwhelming. Luckily this week's toolkit is all about offering practical guides, breaking down those mammoth objectives into something positive you can do this week.

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Weekly roundup

by Zach Carter, Media Consortium MediaWire Blogger

With new bailout plans for Wall Street being unveiled almost every week, it's easy to forget that nearly all of the work that fuels our economy takes place outside of Manhattan. While reviving the financial sector is an important part of recovery, any lasting economic solution must also empower American workers and protect them from corporate abuses.