“Our work is developing people, not just ideas—people who are strong, knowledgeable, and courageous enough to take on the work for economic and social justice.” ~Suzanne Pharr
When we kicked off Spirited Social Change, the plan was to host 5 exploratory dinners, to see if anyone showed up, and what those folks have to say. May 27th is our fifth dinner, and it’s been fun to share them with you. It’s also been a delight to hear thoughts and ideas on where to go next. If you have more feedback you’d like to share, we’d be happy to hear it. And we will have more to announce on where we go next in the upcoming month(s).
For now I want to share a book recommended by my new friend (and Spirited Social Changer) Chelsea Masterman. The book is called In the Time of the Right, written by feminist activist Suzanne Pharr (available for download here). The whole book sounds interesting, but my attention has been on the last section, called Reflections on Liberation (starting on p 87), in which she talks about ‘Transformational Organizing’. I think really resonates with what we are creating here.
Pharr says that, “The work of liberation politics is to change hearts and minds, develop empathy with and sympathy for other people, and help each other discover how we are inextricably linked together for our common good and our survival on this planet.” (p 88)
She also speaks to the importance of cultural and heart-centered work, saying that, “in building a movement, eating and singing together may be as important as handing out leaflets. Being able to involve our families with us in our work may be as important as recruiting new members. The basis for successful organizing work is people who are connected, not separated, people who feel whole, not fragmented. To insist upon our wholeness is to insist upon our humanity.” (p 91)
It’s a tricky thing to hold this space between the urgency of the issues at hand, and the longing to simply enjoy one another’s company. I’m sure we aren’t doing it perfectly yet. Which is what makes this an exploratory process. But it’s been fun.
And it’s an honour to be figuring it out with you all, and to be sharing leadership with such a fantastic group of people. I hear that Bruce stirred the pot a little the other weekend, and sparked valuable conversations. And that Steph, Deanna, Julian, Liz, Trevor, Wade, Kimiko and others did a marvelous job of holding space for this transformational work to happen.
Until we see each other again – below are some upcoming events that I thought might interest you. And, now’s a great time to RSVP for dinner on May 27th.
With love, Chris.
Grandview-Woodland Community Storytelling
This Friday (May 11th), from 7-10pm at the WISE Hall. Join your neighbours in listening to stories about what it means to live in this community. Hosted by local storyteller Naomi Steinberg, and featuring the musical talent of Jess Hill. Register at: vancouver.ca/grandviewplan.
Living Room for the Movement
This Saturday evening, May 12th. The Rhizome Movement-Building Centre offers an evening of celebration, dancing, food, and conversation to informally build relationships and community. Including music by DJ Su Comandante. It sounds like a fantastic and valuable event! More info here.
Islamophobia and Interfaith Dialogue
Tuesday, May 15th at 7pm, at SFU Woodwards. This event will begin with a public talk with Daniel Tutt, and then an interfaith dialogue with local participants, focused on the challenges and opportunities of interfaith work in challenging Islamophobia. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Register here.
Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership
Monday, May 14th. Potluck dinner at 6pm, Conversation at 7pm, at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver (49th & Oak). Working to build a collaborative vision for a women’s spiritual network in Vancouver and across Canada. More info can be found here, and a facebook RSVP here.
