Organizing for Democracy
This May over 60 leaders from 9 different local organizations gathered in Washington, DC for the Organizing for Democracy’ Gathering! Along with organizers, our philanthropic allies from Community Change, The Meyer Foundation and The Hill Snowdon Foundation gathered as well. The collective goal for the gathering focused on deepening relationships, learning from other organizers, allies, and funders about the larger ecosystem of social change, reflecting on our shared values, and identifying the shared commitments and resources necessary to formally launch our emerging collective. Our goals were lofty and, although we have a lot more work to do, we were able to move forward on each of them.
The gathering included a learning lab where we wrestled with our core lessons about power and solidarity in ways that create freedom, justice, and joy for all people.There were presentations from Jeff Parcher that helped us to examine the current crisis of our democracy and a public conversation with Dorian Warren, the Co-President of Community Change, about why broad-based community organizing is so important to meet this historical moment. We also spent time in various research actions meeting new allies and potential partners who can help strengthen our local organizing and build a more powerful collective.
Photo credit: David Choy
From our time together, we learned that there is an incredible need for a dynamic and creative organizing collective like ours that is rooted in the best traditions of community organizing and is committed to adapting the craft to meet our current reality. Individuals are neded at this time who are willing to imagine, conspire & collaborate together while discerning to meet this moment in history ina meaningful and powerful way.
Together we practiced democracy in action as we began to create a message around our shared vision, mission, and values. We also collaboratively discussed the practical next steps required to continue to build a healthy internal infrastructure. The need for designated staff and leadership in this interim time to support the launching of our new collective came out of those conversations.
Photo credit: David Choy
The Formation Team, made up of representatives from each of the organizations, will re-gather in late June to report on the locals' decisions so we know the resources available to continue to chart our path forward. As participants journeyed back to our home states, cities and counties, they did so with a renewed sense of connection and imagination for organizing. Organizing that is locally rooted and nationally relevant as we strive to meet this moment in history for our democracy. We are energized and excited about the future we are building together!
