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When you think of moments of activism that stick with you, it is not just about the subject of the protest, but also the people involved. As human beings, we all live for a narrative, a story that we can tell ourselves to make sense of the world.
People often embrace moments based on how it emotionally connects with them, but also their ability to imagine themselves as fairly represented by your efforts. This week, we are going to talk about diversity in action, and building the actions you have to effectively represent your communities.
We discussed, in this series, prior the importance of diversity in your organization. Many voices make sure you do not fall into traps that divide your group away from intersectionality. When you plan activities, you have to remember that diversity needs to be present as well.
Having a diverse group as part of your leadership and planning does not matter much if the events you stage makes it difficult for them to participate.If your events suddenly turn very monochrome or are difficult for people to participate then you risk your diversity in the organization being viewed as tokenization. So, let’s talk about how to build events that are inclusive and give people a voice.
Build events that understand the audience.
Jesse Williams, speaking at the 2016 BET awards said the following:
The burden of the brutalized is not to comfort the bystander. That’s not our job. All right, stop with all that. If you have a critique for the resistance, for our resistance, then you better have an established record of critique of our oppression.
And it is a message that should resonate with your group. It is easy for groups assembled predominantly of white women or men to want to address numerous issues, including those that impact people outside of their group: immigrants, persons with disability, LGBTQ, minorities, or any other cause.
Before you start planning your event, though, make sure you step back and think about what you are doing. If you are a predominantly white-straight group planning an action on any issue addressing another community, realize if you are not actively working with the group impacted, your activity will not necessarily be well received.
The struggles of those within other communities should not become a feel good opportunity for your activism. The disability rights community has a phrase: nothing about us, without us.
Your activism needs to work on the same principle: make sure those who are impacted by those issues are directly involved in all phases of planning.
Great leadership isn’t about the spotlight.
Good leaders for any effort understand that being in the spotlight is not critical for them to be successful. Great leaders can identify the voices who should be featured and get them the attention they deserve.
Keep these points in mind:
- There are a lot of advocates who are eager to provide a bridge to bring outside voices into the core of your organization. There will also be members of your effort, often able-bodied cishet progressives, who may be less interested in the time it takes to involve outside voices. Work with everyone, but keep in mind this difference as you build your base.
- Issues that impact millions of Americans did not start with Donald J. Trump. They will not end with Donald J. Trump’s exit, either. In some cases, members of your own organization, including strong progressive members, likely benefited from these inequities. Be willing to look in the mirror, not as a hero or a scapegoat, but as someone willing to listen and learn, no matter what your role in the organization is today.
- Do not attack another group’s past efforts. Not only is it a waste of time, you do not have their life experience or understand their issues as well as they do. Trying to dictate to another group what was “wrong” with their efforts isn’t very productive. Listen. Discuss.
Avoid takeovers.
Groups like ADAPT, pictured above, staged some of the most powerful and effective protests in regards to preserving the ACA. While many organizations worked together to help protect ACA, groups like ADAPT were able to personalize their approach to their membership, and as a result their advocacy was a very powerful message.
Think of your local activism. Your organization does not have to be the lead on every event, and it also does not need to co-opt every activity held by another organization to be successful.
Other groups may ask for your support or help in their events; doing so can be very beneficial to your organization.
Being a team player can help your efforts have staying power.
Think about who attends and who’s watching.
When you are planning your events, think ahead regarding these items:
- Not everyone is financially able to attend every rally and protest you want to stage. Do not shame them or demean them.
- Think ahead: try to make sure an event is accessible for persons with disabilities and that you have a plan to make sure attendees feel comfortable and safe when present.
- Make sure press or those covering your action hear the voices you want to highlight. Just like sharing the spotlight with others, make sure that the voices that are elevated from your event also reflect you well.
Final Thoughts
As you build your efforts realize that outside groups are not there tocomfort you. It is not up to black women, persons with disabilities, immigrants or transgendered Americans to make you feel better about yourself because youare advocating for them. If your efforts are not about including them in your advocacy of their cause, you are in for a rude awakening as they will, rightly, leave your efforts going forward.
Because we are all fighting for liberal progressive issues does not mean we are the right voice to speak on those issues.
Next week: Interviews with activists from Netroots Nation!