Why funders should invest less in moralistic advocates and more in leaders who organize communities and govern in the public interest (2,620 words / 10-minute read).
One thing I'm thinking often about is how the movement of intersectionality has influenced us moralistic advocates. I think the impact of that on-the-ground is that we have moved closer to one-another - organizers and moralistic advocates.
Thanks Brian for reading and your observation. My thought in response is that insofar as intersectionality is bringing moralistic advocates and organizers closer together, it will have the effect of distancing organizers from their communities.
Fascinating - maybe I'm not understanding the frame, then, as I consider myself in the moralistic advocate camp and role - as someone who spends significant time in our communities - specifically in the basement of churches and Houses of Worship - working alongside community on environmental justice campaigns. I wasn't considering myself in the organizer, camp, as the issue advocacy is informed and shaped by the community but I'm not agnostic to the issue when I show up.
Got it Brian, I think you have the frame correct. Moral activists / advocates are not issue agnostic. But community organizers need to be in order to be responsive to and draw out the interests that are top of mind within their community. If that issue turns out to be environmental justice, than I would presume there would be a natural match with your work as a moral activist for that cause. If it is housing or bus routes or fixing failing schools that is the community's priority issue(s), then not so much.
Interesting take and well written piece. I would argue that there is a whole group that requires this investment - clerks, elections admins, and front line election workers. Serious pipeline building opportunity.
“Most donors take a transactional approach to community organizing, viewing it as a tactic for advancing policy or political objectives. They fail to adequately value organizing’s role in fostering democratic norms and practices and strengthening social trust—important preconditions of a functional and equitable multiracial democracy.”
Thanks for this excellent piece, Daniel. Agree wholeheartedly about the need to focus more on developing political leaders. A couple reflections. First, from your research, do you think there is a significant gap/deficiency in leadership development in civics education/formation of youth? Any really strong efforts you've seen in this space? Second, it seems we need more efforts to improve the daily exercise of citizenship (or at least more effective ones). Of course, this comes with all sorts of challenges, but the founders and many leaders since have stressed the importance of civic virtue for our republic to survive (as you highlighted in your SOS for the Republic piece). I wonder if it would be helpful to treat citizenship as a (part time!) office in the framework.
One thing I'm thinking often about is how the movement of intersectionality has influenced us moralistic advocates. I think the impact of that on-the-ground is that we have moved closer to one-another - organizers and moralistic advocates.
Thanks Brian for reading and your observation. My thought in response is that insofar as intersectionality is bringing moralistic advocates and organizers closer together, it will have the effect of distancing organizers from their communities.
Fascinating - maybe I'm not understanding the frame, then, as I consider myself in the moralistic advocate camp and role - as someone who spends significant time in our communities - specifically in the basement of churches and Houses of Worship - working alongside community on environmental justice campaigns. I wasn't considering myself in the organizer, camp, as the issue advocacy is informed and shaped by the community but I'm not agnostic to the issue when I show up.
Got it Brian, I think you have the frame correct. Moral activists / advocates are not issue agnostic. But community organizers need to be in order to be responsive to and draw out the interests that are top of mind within their community. If that issue turns out to be environmental justice, than I would presume there would be a natural match with your work as a moral activist for that cause. If it is housing or bus routes or fixing failing schools that is the community's priority issue(s), then not so much.
Interesting take and well written piece. I would argue that there is a whole group that requires this investment - clerks, elections admins, and front line election workers. Serious pipeline building opportunity.
100% agree on need to support professional development and networks of election officials.
What an important piece of writing. Thank you.
“Most donors take a transactional approach to community organizing, viewing it as a tactic for advancing policy or political objectives. They fail to adequately value organizing’s role in fostering democratic norms and practices and strengthening social trust—important preconditions of a functional and equitable multiracial democracy.”
I am much obliged for your feedback Liz!
Thanks for this excellent piece, Daniel. Agree wholeheartedly about the need to focus more on developing political leaders. A couple reflections. First, from your research, do you think there is a significant gap/deficiency in leadership development in civics education/formation of youth? Any really strong efforts you've seen in this space? Second, it seems we need more efforts to improve the daily exercise of citizenship (or at least more effective ones). Of course, this comes with all sorts of challenges, but the founders and many leaders since have stressed the importance of civic virtue for our republic to survive (as you highlighted in your SOS for the Republic piece). I wonder if it would be helpful to treat citizenship as a (part time!) office in the framework.