Who is Representing the 98% and How We Can Change That Together
- RDW
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Only 2% of the working class hold seats in Congress. This stark reality raises a critical question: who is telling the story of the 98%? When the vast majority of everyday people—workers, small business owners, advocates—are missing from the halls of power, policies often fail to reflect their needs.
This post explores why so few members of Congress come from working-class backgrounds, how this gap shapes policy outcomes, and how RDW Creations Enterprise is stepping in with a new pilot community builders program to support those left behind.
Why Only 2% of Congress Comes from the Working Class
The makeup of Congress does not mirror the population it serves. Most members come from privileged backgrounds, often with careers in law, business, or politics before entering office. Several factors contribute to this imbalance:
Financial Barriers: Running for office requires significant funding. Many working-class individuals lack the resources or networks to mount competitive campaigns.
Time and Flexibility: Working multiple jobs or managing small businesses leaves little time for political engagement or campaigning.
Systemic Gatekeeping: Political parties and donors often favor candidates who fit traditional molds, sidelining those with less conventional backgrounds.
Lack of Representation: Without role models or mentors from similar backgrounds, working-class individuals may feel politics is out of reach or simply become disinterested.
The Top 5 Wealthiest Members of Congress
This underrepresentation means that the perspectives and daily struggles of most Americans are often missing from policy discussions.
How This Affects Policy for Everyday People
When policymakers come from a narrow slice of society, their priorities tend to reflect their experiences. This disconnect can lead to policies that overlook or even harm working-class communities. Some examples include:
Healthcare: Legislation may prioritize insurance industry profits over affordable care access, leaving many uninsured or underinsured.
Housing: Policies often favor developers and landlords, contributing to rising rents and homelessness rather than affordable housing solutions.
Labor Rights: Laws may weaken worker protections or fail to address wage stagnation and job insecurity.
Social Services: Cuts to programs supporting vulnerable populations can deepen inequality and hardship.
Without voices that understand these challenges firsthand, policies risk widening the gap between the 2% and the 98%.
The Missing Piece: RDW Creations Enterprise and our Pilot Community Builders Program
RDW Creations Enterprise recognizes this gap and is launching a pilot community builders program to help shift the narrative and support those most affected by policy decisions. This program is an exclusive resource hub focused on shared resources and support in three critical areas:
Healthcare: Connecting community members with toolkits, education, and advocacy.
Housing and Homelessness: Providing real-life, useful tools and partnerships to address housing insecurity and homelessness.
Community Support: Building networks ACROSS STATE LINES, among non-profits, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and advocates to share knowledge and resources.
The program is open to Michigan-based and out-of-state non-profits, small businesses, entrepreneurs, advocates, and others committed to community well-being.
How You Can Get Involved
If you are part of a non-profit, a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or an advocate working to improve healthcare, housing, or homelessness, RDW Creations invites you to join this growing community. By completing the intake form, you can access valuable resources, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.
Visit RDW Creations Community Initiatives to learn more and apply. Space is limited.
Why This Matters for All of Us
Representation is more than a political ideal—it shapes the quality of life for millions. When the 98% have a voice, policies become more inclusive, equitable, and effective. Programs like RDW Creations’ community builders offer a practical way to bridge the gap between everyday people and the systems that govern them.
By supporting and participating in these initiatives, we can build a future where more working-class stories are told, heard, and acted upon.
RDW Creations Enterprise
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