Visioning for our Working Group

It is a valuable exercise to ask ourselves some basic questions to help develop our moral compass in our organizing work.. Here are some responses. Feel free to send in yours!

Contact Mara at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 847-471-4129

Question

1. It is an important element when organizers for change to question how a movement is created? What are the essential needs, infrastructure, etcetera for movement organizing

2. A movement on the ground, within our own neighborhoods and communities assess what resources are needed? What immediate basic needs does your community need?

3. How can we locally help build a democratic infrastructure as the movement fluxes between local to national to global and so on and so forth? We need to keep up front and center in our minds the knowledge that the neoliberal globalization's obsession with McWorld will not come to fruit. It is not an option. It just isn't. So let's vision and move forward towards a new model based on cooperation, and the maxim that each can give according to their ability and receive according to their needs. We do this for the people, and for the precious world that offers time and space for leisure, love, and labor. ~Mara

Together, the masses are strong. At this crucial time in history we need all neighbors standing against the issues that threaten the future. Everyone has a talent to bring forward, and everyone is needed now. The leaders we need ARE us. Bring it, and if you need some help reach out to some experienced folks - here at the Resource Hub. Together we aim to protect life for the generations. ~Wendie

Most important to a movement are ideals that, as I imagine, will develop over time. I can speak to what I believe is so important-coming to some kind of consensus of the direction we need to go as humans, towards a living world. A living world demands first things first-a plan to transition away from disaster capitalism that is destroying what is most important to life on earth. I think that realizing that all people share common needs, so to build a movement, I believe it is imperative that we determine what those needs are that we all share, and build towards each other in cooperation rather than the current model where we tend to work in competition that is the center of consumerism and empire. So, in my silly stream-of-consciousness way, I guess I feel that finding our core is the most important thing-the core that we can respect in everyone. Building a movement. can be a wonderful thing, artful, energizing, motivating, powerful. A force that pulls people together, many times to overturn the status quo.

A library of online information is a necessary building block, physical locations / meeting grounds where people can meet. Community centers, Common grounds.

As a former MoveOn organizer, I was trained mostly on national campaigns, and I do tend to work in this way, but recently have been doing more local work. I realize the local organizing work is important, and it is also a good way to acquaint local campaigns / campaigners with each other. ~Harriet

Gandhi said, “Be the change.” I believe this is the beginning of the movement. It begins with self-knowledge, love and respect. It requires a willingness to be mindful of how we treat others. The movement requires that we hold ourselves accountable for our actions and are willing to assess our interactions with a critical eye aimed at growth and improving our relationships. For me, building relationships is the core of the movement.

Effective movement building recognizes there are no single issues. All issues stem from abusive economic systems and the mistreatment of fellow human beings, our planet and all it’s inhabitants. Recognizing this gives us the ability to strengthen networking as we see the intersectionality of all our struggles. Effective movement building recognizes that our efforts are part of a marathon, not a sprint. We may need to move in and out of various levels of participation, but the struggle has been here since the beginning of time and our efforts are part of a long history of resistance and victories.

For those who have the time and energy, networking is an important organizing skill. Building relationships is building the infrastructure for the revolutionary world we are transitioning toward. Show up for and be supportive of the struggles in your community. Develop events and actions that creates a space for trade justice in your community.<p< As much as possible, get active on the neighborhood level. ~Susie

Who We Are
Experienced organizers who have created many actions and events, as well as mentored others in creating their own. Each of us has our own unique organizing skills to contribute as needed. The team of mentors and support people here at the Resource Hub are creative and cooperative folks who have reached out to one another to give and receive organizing support. We all realize the value and necessity of working together for the greater good of people and the planet.

What We Do
Provide organizing assistance to those who are passionate about the idea of organizing, and have concerns that it may be a daunting task. We assist by phone and/or email. We can help seasoned organizers in finding materials and connecting them with other activists. What we cannot find, we can create together. Ultimately, the experience of sharing—ideas, enthusiasm, and expertise—has led to our growing together into a constantly expanding community of activists, working together to create powerfully constructive change in our communities, both locally and globally.

Contact the Resource Hub
Mara Cohen
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
847-471-4129