Our mission is to shape the future of our communities by supporting, educating, and advocating for independent gig-workers, consumers, and member organizations.
Drive Forward was founded by a group of activist drivers who fought to maintain their independence against burdensome regulations the City of Seattle tried to impose on us through the Collective Bargaining Ordinance. Today we have over 2,000 members who are working to expand economic opportunity for independent drivers, increase reliable transportation and delivery options for consumers, and contribute to our vibrant and diverse communities.
Led by our Member Advisory Committee, together our members have had their voices heard and successfully forestalled legislation negatively impacting our businesses by organizing protests, collecting petition signatures, and testifying before municipal, county, and state legislative bodies. We have provided valuable educational programing to help our members run successful businesses and adapt to changes in our industry. Our networking and social events allow members to share their experiences and information while building a strong gig-worker community. Together, we will continue to share information, educate our members, and take action to keep our communities in motion.
Drive Forward is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization.
Stay Informed
We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out with your thoughts and questions.
Benefits
Freedom
Flexibility
Independence
Mission
We believe in gig-worker independent
At Drive Forward we believe independent gig-workers are critical to the success of rideshare and app-based delivery services. Our goal is to support gig-worker’s independent businesses through education, networking, and advocacy. By educating and empowering our members we give all gig-workers a voice to help shape their communities and keep Washington in motion. We are a strong community that supports each other’s success, and we demand a say in our future.
Here’s why we want to stay in control of our own businesses:
- NWe want the freedom to choose which platforms to partner with
- NWe demand the flexibility to work when and where we want
- NWe control our earning power and the ability to meet our individual goals
- NWe use innovative technology to connect consumers with safe, dependable transportation and delivery services
We believe in the fair treatment of Gig-workers
As the Gig-Economy expands so has the complexity of the issues facing the industry and gig-workers. Drive Forward believes that all gig-workers should be treated fairly by the platforms they contract with. Our belief is all gig-workers should earn no less than minimum wage and have access to benefits at no or low cost to them.
Here’s how we look at fair treatment for gig-workers
- NPlatforms pay a minimum earnings standard connected to local minimum wage
- NPlatforms offer Paid Sick and Safe Time
- NPortable benefit funds can be used for Healthcare, Retirement, Vacation Pay, and other traditional employment benefits.
- NWe use innovative technology to connect consumers with safe, dependable transportation and delivery services
Staff
Michael Wolfe
Executive Director
Member Advisory Committee
Currently we are looking for new members for the MAC, especially if you primarily work for delivery platforms such as Postmates, DoorDash or UberEats. If you are interested in learning more, please Contact Us
Flexibility is key! Wife, mom of three, and Gramma to four spunky grandsons makes for a busy schedule. Lynn has utilized the flexibility of the gig economy since joining various dr...Read More
Lynn Reed Committee Member Read More
Lynn Reed
Flexibility is key! Wife, mom of three, and Gramma to four spunky grandsons makes for a busy schedule. Lynn has utilized the flexibility of the gig economy since joining various driving and delivery platforms in July 2016. Serving as a committee member for Drive Forward has allowed her to advocate for fair and favorable legislation at the state and local level. Looking for solutions, and turning those into actions that benefit Drive Forward members and beyond is the ultimate goal.
Driver Stories
Alex Nachman
Alex initially turned to Gig work after a few suggestions from friends in 2015. He had been renting an extra room in his house for the previous 7 years and thought the extra work was worth changing it to an Airbnb. The income was great after he lost his job later that year. Without a clear job picture in 2016, he saw at a job fair an Uber booth and he thought, I enjoy driving and I have a car, why not try this.
Alex has been driving for Uber since October, 2016. He soon signed up for Lyft a few month later. He drives part time with 20 to 30 hours of his weekly time.
As the Pandemic and other events changed all our lives in 2020, he pivoted to add Uber Eats, Door Dash and Postmates delivering food and medicine. He also volunteers for organizations where drivers are needed bringing food to needy clients.
Jim Radmacher
A dedicated family man, Jim runs his rideshare business around the needs and schedules of his children and wife. He is a man of few words, but when he speaks he is bold and honest which is why he has been an integral founding member of the Member Advisory Committee.
Dave Oehler
Born in Buffalo, NY and raised in New Jersey Dave is a cycling and swimming enthusiast. He proudly won state cycling champion in New Jersey. He is a family man with three kids and 16 years married to a Seattleite. His skills and experience include general contract work which began in Maryland working with Wells Fargo by bringing up homes to livable spaces and also was an accountant for 12 years at West Virginia University. When he moved to Seattle he began his rideshare business. “My dream was always to be an entrepreneur. Uber was less demanding of my time,” says Dave as he reflected on his active role at home with his children and the importance of his working in the gig economy.