Love, Liberation, and Reflections from Beyond Impact. #Givemoreeveryday
We are pursuing liberation, and one essential element often overlooked is the profound power of love in building political infrastructure. Love, as James Baldwin fiercely reminds us, can remove the masks we wear and transcend the barriers we've constructed. It is the force that unites, strengthens, and nourishes us in the face of adversity. But supporting love when it's challenging, when it's not recognized as a critical tool for power, and especially when it feels isolating, can be daunting.
These are critical times of struggle and change, and we must remember that the work of our ancestors guides our way. We are thankful for their resilience and unwavering love for justice that has paved the path for our freedom.
To continue this journey, Tides Advocacy is steadfast in supporting organizations that embody these principles. Our commitment to our partners extends beyond just one day, such as Giving Tuesday – but toward a future where we can achieve collective liberation for all.
The Beyond Impact community has spoken! This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in spreading love and supporting some of the organizations that hosted discussions and beloved conversations during our gathering this past October.
Multifaceted Approach to Muslim Organizing powered by Emgage Michigan
Session Speakers:
Salima Suswell, The Emgage National Senior Organizing Advisor & Executive Director Pennsylvania
Dr. Seydi Sarr, Founder, African Bureau of Immigration and Social Affairs (ABISA)
Nada Al-Hanooti, Executive Director of Emgage Michigan
Muslim Americans have been the unsung heroes of decades worth of movement work. They are a politically sophisticated, vibrant, active community and, most importantly, are a force to be reckoned with! This past decade, Muslims faced many issues, including Trump's Muslim ban, a rise in islamophobia, housing, and a rise in police brutality. This panel discussed how these issues affect their communities and how our Muslim communities organize around these issues to create proactive policy.
Multifaceted Approach to Muslim Organizing Resources:
An Impact Report of Muslim Contributions to Michigan
The Muslims for American Progress Project
Empowering Communities Through Non-Traditional Tactics powered by Make it Work Nevada
Session Speaker:
Erika Washington, Executive Director of Make it Work Nevada
In this session, Make It Work Nevada (MIWN) delved deeper into unconventional strategies and approaches to community engagement through their "Communities Make It Work" campaign. The key goal of MIWN is to inspire individuals to think outside the box to pursue social change. MIWN shared how they established meaningful connections with businesses, enhanced neighborhood engagement, and leveraged innovative community engagement tools (Business and Resident needs assessments; see resource links below) and tactics such as Kitchen Table Conversations, podcasts, and social media platforms.
Empowering Communities Through Non-Traditional Tactics Resources:
Sample Needs Assessment for Residents
Sample Needs Assessment for Businesses
Make it Work Nevada Presents: The American Dreams Podcast
American Dreams is a podcast seven-part series that explores exactly what Reproductive Justice means. Reproductive Justice was an idea birthed in 1994 by 12 Black women who felt unseen by the white establishment.
Building Cross-Community Coalitions as a First Solution to Climate Change powered by AAPI Victory Alliance
Session Speakers:
Varun Nikore, Executive Director of the AAPI Victory Alliance
Dr. Helen Shih, Board Member of Rise AAPI, Emerging Voters
Amatullah Contractor, Team Lead of Emgage Texas
Climate change is an urgent issue that touches vast areas of public policy, including the economy, health, and immigration. Although it often disproportionately impacts communities of color, these communities are often left out of the conversations on solutions. AAPI communities have always been affected by climate change, and we have been coming together in innovative ways to combat climate change. But our community is just one piece in the puzzle of BIPOC communities joining together to save ourselves from the effects of climate change. Building intra and inter-community coalitions is paramount to ensure that communities of color have a seat at the table in discussions about climate change.
To learn more about AAPI Victory Alliance, join them for their briefing on December 12th; Register HERE.
Support AAPI Victory Alliance’s work here!
As we dream of a pro-Black future, let love be our guiding force, source of strength, and fuel for every individual to be empowered to dream boldly.