(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
Some of My Best Friends are Black Organizers!
(About 5.5 minutes to read) I missed the opportunity to go to Wisconsin a few years back, to organize protesters against crippling legislation that would disable unions; I also never had much time to participate in Occupy protests, which were flourishing in Boston. I felt (and feel) like we are in a particular moment in history where society is getting … 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