5 lessons from Dr. King and his entourage on movement building through problem solving and behind-the-scenes system crafting.
behind the seen
This catapulted Mrs. Dungee beyond simple accounting and into visionary/badass/changemaker territory. And of course - underscores lessons that I'm learning more and more every day - there is no such thing as "back office" in social movement organizations. All of our grievances - and all of our work - are connected.
unsung heroes of a singing movement
In the latest installment of civil writes, mailing lists! solidarity! Angela Davis! and a special appearance by Francois Clemmons!
care work is system thinking
A new take on the Civil Rights Movement that centers women and reproductive justice. A badass crew of ordinary chefs take the Montgomery bus boycott by storm. And a skeevy dude becomes a famous Lefty (?) for being a mail appeal expert. All that, and more...
bread scare: the story of Jack O’Dell and resourcing the SCLC
Stanley Levison and Jack O'Dell were operations masterminds, fundraising trailblazers, and behind-the-scenes brains-and-brawn who kept the SCLC afloat during some tough times. And I'm not the only person who thinks so! Yet, these figures loom obscure despite their utter brilliance. Read on to learn the history of SCLC fundraising in the early 60's.
fieldnotes on contested elections and membership data
In this post, mobilizing during a contested election and the behind-the-scenes Civil Rights admin prowess of Reverend Nelson H. Smith, Jr.
fieldnotes on kayfabe and spreadsheets
His is a story of spreadsheet skill badassery, deep commitment to relationship, earning a reputation of showing up when it counts, and long-term, follow-through solidarity that lights my fire. An ESSAY about social movements, pro wrestling, and spreadsheet superstars.
Digital self care, vol v
What do passwords and canned air have in common? Read this blog post to find out!
rising to the occasion: two offerings
A template to track your donations and a resource guide for new protesters. Dreaming and building a world where #BlackLivesMatter.
webinar woes / poetic license
Here is my lessons and an invitation: the next time you host a webinar, consider including a poem or another thought provoking reading in the chat while you get logistics ironed out. Trust your audience to be patient while you fix the kinks. Perhaps they can learn as much from each other as from the presenters! It's ok to try again. Last but not least, answer texts from your mom!