Washington DC

Who we are:

Launched in September 2009, the Restaurant Opportunities Center of Washington, DC (ROC-DC) is a worker center dedicated to winning improved conditions and raising industry standards for all Washington, DC restaurant workers. We are a multi-racial membership-based organization -- we seek members from all communities across the District to build, develop, and lead the worker center.  

What we do:

Training and Job Placement

ROC-DC is offering free training in fine dining waiter/waitress, bartending, as well as ESL classes for restaurant workers.  ROC-DC will be using the comprehensive training programs that ROC has developed in New York City, where it trains more than 500 workers per year in its cooperatively-owned restaurant.  Most of these workers have obtained good jobs in the industry.  ROC-DC will help to both train and place restaurant workers into good paying jobs. 

Surveys and Research

We are currently conducting surveys of restaurant workers in the District to learn more about their experiences.  The results of this survey will be used to help us to identify how workplaces need to be improved, develop our programs, and to build public recognition of restaurant workers' contributions to the nation's capitol.

Leadership Development and Education

ROC-DC is dedicated to supporting restaurant workers so that they can be leaders, standing up for their rights not only in their workplace, but in front of elected officials and the larger community. We offer trainings and workshops to help workers develop leadership skills - such as public speaking, conflict resolution and mediation, setting meeting agendas and running meetings, political education, and so on. Further, we provide opportunities for restaurant workers to become leaders in their industry by joining any one of our worker committees which develop programming for ROC-DC, such as our Steering Committee, Policy Committee, Women's Committee, Health & Safety Committee and so on. 

How do I become a member?  

Any current or former restaurant worker, worker interested in entering the restaurant industry, or relative of a restaurant worker can become a member of ROC-DC.  If you're interested in becoming a member please email us: bonnie@rocunited.org or meghana@rocunited.org. 

In order to become a member:

1.  Attend one of our weekly one-hour orientation meetings

2.  Attend two additional team meeting which will follow the orientation, and which will also be offered at convenient times and locations

What are the privileges of being a member?

1. We can help you if you are having problems in your workplace

2. You can be a leader on one of our worker committees addressing key issues in the workplace

3. You're eligible for our free training classes: ESL, fine dining server, and bartending We'll help you create and edit your resume

4. We'll help you create and edit your resume

5. We'll help you with your job search

6.  Free notary services

7.  ROC-DC member ID card

How can I volunteer?

We currently do outreach to restaurant workers in the afternoons and evenings in the District, conducting our comprehensive survey, and are always looking for new volunteers. We also have needs for volunteer ESL instructors, as well as for full and part-time interns.  If you are interested in becoming a part of our diverse and exciting volunteer team, please contact us!  Our contact information is below.

ROC-DC Coordinators

Bonnie Kwon: bonnie@rocunited.org

Meghana Reddy: meghana@rocunited.org

Contact Information

Phone:    202-559-7496 (hablamos espanol!) 

Address: 1850 M St., NW, Suite 1100

               Washington, DC 20036