(About 2.5 minutes to read, and a lifetime to answer) Some of you know I began the Anne Braden Anti-Racist Training Program through the Catalyst Project since the beginning of February. I’m very excited to share with you what I’ve been thinking about and learning about what it means to be a radical, anti-racist organizer, whenever I have free time … Read More
Is the personal political?
(About 8.5 minutes to read) This past Wednesday I shared a deeply personal story about my body, my feelings about my body, and how it impacted the way I interacted with others. It was published in my friend’s sex, dating, and relationship column, The Debrief, on JewishBoston.com. Here are the thoughts that went through my head throughout this process: It’s 3am and I … Read More
4 Things I’ve Learned from Ella Fitzgerald
(About 3:30 minutes to Read, plus some awesome music) I’m a jazz singer. Ok, maybe I just sing jazz. I don’t know at what point I can actually reverse the order of the words. But after years of singing other kinds of genres (and specializing mostly in all things 90’s pop), I’ve landed on Jazz, and I’m pretty happy about … Read More
Earl’s Guide to Leadership Development, Part 2: Leadership in Staff
(About 4.5 minutes to read) This is Part 2 of a two-part series on Leadership Development. Click here to actually get the background of what I’m talking about! Last night, I had one of those “this conversation is so interesting it feels embarrassing that it’s happening via g-chat” conversations. It began as a discussion about job hunting (since I’ll be … Read More
Earl’s Guide to Leadership Development, Part 1: Leadership in Volunteers
(About 4 minutes to read) Earl is one of my favorite people that I’ve encountered in this work. Earl is a 73 year old man who spent all his life in Boston. He directs 5 gospel choirs and is the leader of his tenant organization. And his tenant organization is one of the strongest I’ve come across— meetings have about … Read More
When Grassroots Organizations Get It Right
(About 5 minutes to read) Not all organizing is created equal. Unions have a different model of organizing from interfaith organizations. Some organizations integrate direct service and community organizing, others organize around public policy, and still others organize around local issues. Some build power in solidarity, others build power for themselves. The basic principles are generally the same throughout, but each … Read More
How to Defeat the Underpants Gnomes
Before you do anything else, watch the video above. I’ll wait. (About 5.5 minutes to read) Ok thanks, this will be so much easier to explain now that you’ve watched it (P.S. if you’re lying to me, I swear, the thing is 30 seconds long and applies to your life ALL THE TIME). I’ve seen exactly two episodes of South … Read More
Morality is Bullshit.
(About 3 minutes to read) Let’s get one thing out of the way right now. Morality is total, utter bullshit. Feeling scandalized? How could I care about others and not believe in morality? What kind of heathen am I!? Well, step onto my carpet, and I’ll show you a whole new world. First, let’s talk about what I mean by … Read More