Movement Strategy Center

03/16/2023

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Full Spectrum Labs Tools & Stories Workshop Series. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Are you looking to be part of creating a restorative and regenerative economy?

Join our partners Full Spectrum Labs for quarterly learning circles about community-centric economies.
Community Economic Infrastructure for a Restorative & Regenerative Economy: Create! Build & Grow the New is a comprehensive guide to building a sustainable and equitable economy that prioritizes the well-being of all communities.

No matter where you are in your journey, they offer a wide range of topics that may be of interest to you. These circles are a safe space for folks to learn, share experiences, and build community.
Register now for the next circle by clicking the link below!

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdOiurTsrE9wPCXNUOKQT4-nI0T98Vdu2?link_id=3&can_id=ddbd42c2c94036bfc0ed929e447bffe3&source=email-reminder-lessons-from-community-capital-infrastructure-wins-monday-at-1-et12-ct10-pt&email_referrer=email_1764827&email_subject=register-now-2023-community-steward-learning-action-circles
We look forward to seeing you there!

Creating Our Own Future: Communities Stewarding Land, Labor, & Capital for Wellness & Abundance Please join us for this exciting four-part series!

03/16/2023

to our chat with Corrine Van-Hook Turner from about the art of consensus building! ⠀
As a Movement Strategy Network partner, Corrine shared her insights on the importance of building consensus in social and environmental justice movements. Check out our blog post from last year to read more about our conversation and learn about People's Climate Innovation Center. ⠀
⠀

03/16/2023

Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice

Our partners at Latinx Racial Equity Project recommend "Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice," a book by Rupa Marya and Raj Patel that explores the interconnectedness of our bodily systems, such as digestive, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems, and the systemic inequities ingrained in our political and economic frameworks. Unlike typical anatomy books, "Inflamed" sheds light on the complex connections between bodily functions and social justice issues.

👀 Sounds fascinating! *adds to cart*

The Covid pandemic and the shocking racial disparities in its impact. The surge in inflammatory illnesses such as gastrointestinal disorders and asthm...

03/15/2023

How the Women of Standing Rock Inspired the World

We stand in solidarity with the women of Standing Rock, who continue to inspire and lead social justice movements worldwide. 💪 As this YES! Magazine article highlights, these women were at the forefront of the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline, risking their lives to protect their land and water.
Their tireless activism and unwavering commitment to justice have not gone unnoticed. The women of Standing Rock have become symbols of hope and resilience, inspiring countless individuals to join the fight for a more just and equitable world.
Their stories remind us of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Let's continue to honor their legacy by supporting Indigenous-led movements and fighting for environmental justice for all.

“A nation isn’t defeated until the hearts of the women are on the ground.”

03/15/2023

Funder's Co-Director, Dana Kawaoka-Che,n shares her habit-shifting takeaways from the Transitions Labs. She emphasizes the need for new habits to support intersectional organizing and transform the systems perpetuating state violence without accountability.

Dana's insights are crucial for those of us in philanthropy who want to be part of the solution to creating a more just and equitable society. Changing funder habits is essential to the larger movement toward systemic change. We must shift our focus towards funding grassroots organizing efforts and centering the voices of those most impacted by injustice.
Click the link in our bio to read this enlightening blog post and learn more about how we can create a more equitable future.

Let's build a society that values justice and equity for all. ✨



https://movementstrategy.org/blog_post/changing-funder-habits-to-change-the-game/

03/14/2023

Culture of Health Prize

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has reintroduced the Culture of Health Prize, which recognizes and celebrates individuals and groups working collaboratively to overcome systemic barriers to health and wellness in communities across the United States. This prize honors efforts to achieve and promote . Check out the link to learn more about the prize and previous winners!

The RWJF Culture of Health Prize celebrates communities across the country where people and organizations are collaborating to build positive solutions to barriers that have created unequal opportunities for health and wellbeing.

03/14/2023

Julie Quiroz leads .collab drawing on her 11 years of leadership at MSC.⠀
This Women's History Month, MSC is celebrating the women leaders, movement builders, activists, and community organizers making history today throughout the MSC ecosystem.⠀
⠀

03/11/2023

Photos from HEAL Food Alliance's post

03/11/2023

Photos from HEAL Food Alliance's post

03/10/2023

Pushing Back Against Habits of White Supremacy During a Crisis

CompassPoint Nonprofit Services' highlights how White Supremacy Culture can unconsciously impact individuals' behaviors, even if they have good intentions, and offers an explanation on how these patterns can emerge during crises, while providing strategies to resist them.

Addressing systemic inequalities within organizations and the wider community is crucial. The article outlines four ways to promote change: letting go of productivity, embracing mistakes, acknowledging fragility, and embracing complexity. Visit the link to learn more about these solutions.

.

As we all find ourselves being pushed, challenged, and transformed by this moment in time, it should be no surprise that dominant culture habits may be creeping back into our work, our teams, and our organizations.

03/10/2023

Women's History Month grew out of a weeklong commemoration by Jimmy Carter in 1980

Happy Women's History Month! As we celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history, let's also take a moment to acknowledge the origins of this important commemoration.

It all began in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter declared the first National Women's History Week, which eventually grew into the month-long observance we know today. This month, let's honor the trailblazing women who have paved the way for progress, and let's continue to strive for gender equality and empowerment for all women — including our trans sisters.

The first national Women's History Week occurred in 1980. Seven years later, Congress passed a law designating March as Women's History Month.

03/10/2023

📣 Attention, bookworms and bird enthusiasts! 📚🐦 We've got an amazing essay for you to read, and it's all about the legendary Toni Morrison, who had a special connection with birds. 🕊️ ⠀
Click the link to check out this beautiful piece by , and learn more about Morrison's love for the winged creatures. Trust us, it's a must-read! 🙌 ⠀
⠀
Illustrations by Steffi Walthall

https://www.audubon.org/news/remembering-toni-morrison-bird-whisperer

03/09/2023

Ámate Cecilia Pérez and Heidi Maria from are working to train and empower people from Latin America and the Spanish speaking Caribbean to lead from a framework of decolonization and racial equity.⠀
⠀
This Women's History Month, MSC is celebrating the women leaders, movement builders, activists, and community organizers making history today throughout the MSC ecosystem.⠀
⠀

03/08/2023

Meet Charles Young, the First Black National Park Superintendent

Get to know Charles Young, the first African American national park superintendent, in this article from The Audubon Magazine.

Author Corryn Wetzel highlights his incredible achievements as a military officer, diplomat, and conservationist. Young's story is truly inspiring and a testament to the importance of diversity in leadership. Read more about his legacy and impact on the conservation movement!

A military leader and conservationist, Young made history at a time when the achievements of Black Americans were often erased from the record.

03/08/2023

Happy ! ❤️‍🔥

Join us ⏰this afternoon⏰ for "15 Years of Leading with Love" as we commemorate International Women's Day and National Women and Girls' HIV/AIDS Awareness Day .

We have an amazing line up of speakers including:
- Barb Cardell, PWN-USA program director
- Rymsky Evans, PWN-USA state lead and Health Not Prisons Advocate
- Antoinette Jones, PWN-USA national field organizer
- Naina Khanna, PWN-USA co-executive director
- LaTrischa Miles, PWN-USA board co-chair
- Arianna Ray, PWN-USA RISE Gender Justice Training Program graduate
- Melanie Reese, PWN member at large
- Rica Rodriguez, PWN-USA board member and Colorado chapter co-chair
- Ieshia Scott, PWN-USA finance and operations Manager
- Waheedah Shabazz-El, PWN-USA founding member

TODAY: Wednesday March 8th, 4-5:30pm ET

Register here: https://bit.ly/pwnlove

03/08/2023

Tansy McNulty is the Founder and CEO of and a powerful woman making history in the MSC ecosystem.⠀
This Women's History Month, MSC is celebrating the women leaders, movement builders, activists, and community organizers making history today throughout the MSC ecosystem.⠀
⠀

03/07/2023

What To Do When The World Is Ending

Despair is our vanity talking.

"What to Do When the World is Ending" is a reflective article by Yotam Marom that urges readers to re-evaluate their priorities and take action in the face of a seemingly dire future.

Marom argues that instead of succumbing to despair, we should use this moment to confront the root causes of our crises and work towards a better world. Connecting with others and engaging in collective action can create meaningful change and build a more just and sustainable future.

So, let's take action and refuse to let the world end without a fight! 💪

By Yotam Marom

03/06/2023

Ohio Train Derailment Highlights Systemic Dangers

Recently, a devastating Ohio train derailment highlighted the systemic dangers we face when relying on fossil fuels and insufficient railroad regulations.
It's a sobering reminder of the risks we take every day and the need to prioritize safety and sustainability. We must work towards a future where these risks are minimized and our communities are protected. Check out the link below to learn more.

Reliance on fossil fuels and lax train safety requirements led to the derailment and subsequent release of dangerous vinyl chloride.

03/05/2023

Kazu Haga, a leader and trainer in nonviolence, reminds us in the graphic novel "Ten Thousand Beloved Communities," that nonviolence is not only about the absence of violence, but also about opposing injustice and making amends for harm. The novel explores Kingian principles of nonviolence and the role of direct action in creating a Beloved Community.

Help Movement Strategy Network member, Beloved Communities Network reach its Kickstarter goal by reserving your copy now: https://buff.ly/3GqjqIt.

03/05/2023

Delving into our archives to highlight this gem: 'Changing Funder Habits to Change the Game.' Co-Director, Dana Kawaoka-Chen shares insights and strategies for transforming funder practices towards a more just and equitable world.⠀
⠀
"I am clear that we in philanthropy need new habits to support new ways of intersectional organizing." Kawaoka-Chen urges us to think of "new habits to radically transform the very systems that allow and perpetuate state violence without accountability."⠀
⠀
Let's continue to push for radical change in how we fund and support social movements!⠀
⠀

03/05/2023

Happy Women's History Month! As we celebrate the achievements and progress of women throughout history, let us also take time to honor those who have fought for the rights and opportunities that so many of us enjoy today. We owe a debt of gratitude to the trailblazers who have paved the way and continue to be inspired by their courage and resilience. Let's use this month to uplift and celebrate all women, especially those often overlooked and marginalized. ✨ ⠀
⠀
Myrtle Witbooi, a South African activist and leader in the global domestic workers' movement, fought tirelessly for the rights and recognition of domestic workers. Witbooi advocated for better working conditions and protections for those often overlooked and undervalued. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the critical importance of supporting and uplifting the most marginalized communities.⠀
⠀
Artist unknow, Repost ⠀

03/04/2023

instead.https

Partners for Collaborative Change created an incredible resource for groups to recognize and address aspects of White supremacy culture that may be present in their work. Their worksheet provides valuable suggestions for alternative approaches and actions to take instead.

Let's commit to actively dismantling White supremacy culture in all its forms and work towards a more just and equitable world. Click the link below to access this important resource.

https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/uploads/4/3/5/7/43579015/white_supremacy_culture_pivots.pdf

03/04/2023

Regenerative Economy Communities Program Manager

Join The Chisholm Legacy Project!

They seek a Regenerative Economy & Communities Program Manager to join their team and contribute to their mission of advancing economic, social, and racial justice. As the program manager, you will be key in designing and implementing initiatives that promote community wealth-building and regenerative economic development. If you are passionate about creating positive change and have experience in community organizing, program management, or related fields, they encourage you to apply! Click the link below to learn more about the position and submit your application. Let's build a more just and sustainable future.

The Chisholm Legacy Project — A Fiscally Sponsored Project of Community Initiatives is now hiring for the position of Regenerative Economy Communities Program Manager in Burtonsville. Apply today.

03/04/2023

The MSC Board of Directors is 75% women. With their leadership we continue to forge new paths in Transformative Movement Building that better our communities and transform our world. Thank you Venita Ray, Sandra Bass, Judith LeBlanc, Sihle Dinani, Jacqueline Patterson, and Anasa Troutman!⠀
This Women's History Month, MSC is celebrating the women leaders, movement builders, activists, and community organizers making history today throughout the MSC ecosystem.⠀
⠀

03/03/2023

31 years ago today, the United States witnessed what many call the first viral video of police brutality. .⠀
⠀
Police do not make us safer; communities do. It's time to reimagine safety beyond the state, defund the police, and redistribute resources to where they are proven to prevent crime and improve safety. In a thought provoking opinion piece for the New York Times, Mariame Kaba argues that it's time to move beyond calls to reform the police and instead work towards the goal of abolition. Focusing on transformative justice and community based alternatives to policing, Kaba presents a compelling case for reimagining public safety and ending the cycle of violence perpetuated by law enforcement. Check out the article linked in our stories to learn why the call to "defund the police" is just the first step in this important work. We do not need police. We need each other. 💪⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀
#Repost

03/03/2023

brutality.before

31 years ago today, the United States witnessed what many call the first viral video of police brutality. Before his passing in 2012, King shared his story in his own words. "The Riot Within: My Journey From Rebellion to Redemption" is about his childhood and life in the days and years following the video recording of his beating by the Los Angeles police on March 3, 1991. Mr. King recalled the riots in Los Angeles following the acquittal of four officers in the case and shared his own legal problems and alcohol addiction.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?305441-1/the-riot-within-journey-rebellion-redemption

03/03/2023

Social justice work typically entails facing and challenging systemic injustices, discrimination, and inequalities, which can be demanding and exhausting. This is precisely why prioritizing self-care is crucial for social justice activists, as such work can be emotionally and mentally arduous.⠀
⠀
Our partners, Urban Peace Movement (UPM)], are inviting the Oakland community for a day of self-love, community, and fun.⠀
⠀
SCRATCH & FADE is a free nail and barber pop-up event with music and complimentary pampering services at the beautiful salon in East Oakland on Sunday, March 12!⠀
⠀
Click the link in bio to RSVP and get more info!⠀
Free by appointment (via Calendly)

03/02/2023

Burger King franchise ordered to pay $2.2 million in stolen wages

This Burger King franchisee is being ordered to pay stolen wages to their workers.
It's heartening to see justice being served, but there's still a long way to go in ensuring fair wages and working conditions for all employees.
Let's keep pushing for more accountability and fairness in the workplace.

Workers across six locations owned by the Golden Gate Restaurant Group, Inc. reported enduring unpaid overtime, short staffing, and no breaks

03/02/2023

Artist and co-founder of and Movement Strategy Center, Kristen Zimmerman, reminds us that we don't have to be therapists or healers to bring healing and transformation to groups.⠀
Kristen explains, "we're not therapists; we're not trained to be healers … But we can bring healing and transformation and embodied practice to groups."⠀
Through embodied practice and intentional action, we can create spaces for healing and transformation to occur.⠀
⠀
Check out the link in our bio to read more about Kristen's work and the power of storytelling in movements for social justice.

03/01/2023

In-Depth: the 10-year remembrance of Trayvon Martin, birth of Black Lives Matter

Join us in remembering Trayvon Martin and looking back at the birth of the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Trayvon Martin, a Black teenager, was murdered by George Zimmerman in 2012. The subsequent protests led to the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement. ABC Action News - WFTS - Tampa Bay highlights the impact of Martin's death on the country's racial justice movement and the ongoing struggle for equality and police accountability. The report discusses the progress made in police reform, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to address systemic racism and achieve true racial justice.

The death of Trayvon Martin is widely considered to be the beginning of the hashtag “Black Lives Matter” that would eventually turn into a movement. It was formed in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman, the man who killed Trayvon Martin 10 years ago.

03/01/2023

Toward Love, Healing, Resilience & Alignment: The Inner Work of Social Transformation & Justice - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

How can we better prioritize our own healing and growth as we work towards a more just society?

From The Nonprofit Quarterly, this powerful article shares the importance of 'inner work' in social transformation and justice. It reminds us that in order to create meaningful change in the world, we must first do the difficult work of healing and aligning ourselves with love and resilience.

Let's strive to work towards justice not only externally but also internally.✨

Just as a flight attendant instructs passengers to put on their own oxygen mask before assisting others, nonprofit professionals and volunteers need to pay attention to our own physical, emotional, and psychological needs in order to be effective in serving others.

02/28/2023

Henrietta Lacks statue to replace Robert E Lee monument in Virginia

We are closing out with some great news!

In Virginia, the statue of Robert E. Lee, a Confederate general, has been replaced with a new statue of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells were taken without her consent for medical research. Lacks' cells have been used in countless medical breakthroughs, but her family only learned of their use decades later.

Replacing Lee's statue with Lacks' is a significant shift in how Virginia recognizes and commemorates its history. Read more from The Guardian.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/21/henrietta-lacks-statue-replaces-robert-e-lee-monument-virginia

Lacks’ cells were taken from her body without her permission and used for numerous medical advances