Theme: Persist Together, Inspire 

This was not just a banquet to eat and to hear speakers. There was an opportunity for hundreds of people and organizations to network. 4comculture took the opportunity to place whistles on all the tables. [If you want to know what the whistles were about hit the link: https://4comculture.com/building-a-whistle-campaign] At our table it was a great opportunity to share with volunteers with the League of Women Voters and La Prensa, Spokane’s Latino newspaper.

SPEAKERS

Laurel Fish, Senior Organizer, Spokane Alliance

Good afternoon. I see lots of familiar faces. As Gary said, my name is Laurel Fish, and my – I’m the senior organizer for the Spokane Alliance. My own formation as an organizer comes from a few different places. It comes from being the granddaughter of Jewish refugees, comes from experiences working in solidarity with Salvadoran communities, and experiences organizing alongside immigrant hotel and hospitality workers in the labor movement.

The Spokane Alliance, which far predates me, is a broad-based coalition of thirty-eight institutions, faith communities, labor unions, and nonprofits organizing for the common good. We’ve been doing this work for over two decades, but a lot of people don’t know about it because it’s not sexy. It’s not flashy. Developing everyday people as leaders in our democracy, bringing institutions together to hash out their differences, and stand up for their values, and figuring out what people actually want to do to change our community is not the headline-grabbing work that you’d think it would be. A civil rights leader, Ella Baker, said, “It’s spade work. It’s slow and steady.” It’s about persisting together. And The Fig Tree is geared towards sharing those stories.

For example, we can all acknowledge that housing is a major pressure in our community, but it has taken our lay-led housing team over a year of researching solutions, meeting with developers, studying policy, talking to business people, wrestling with how to create policy to start to come up with an idea for publicly financed housing in Spokane, right? And it’s just the beginning.

When I think about our work with the immigrant community, you might have read about the event at First Presbyterian Church, where the Haitian community shared testimony on the eve of the end of their temporary protected status. There were over four hundred and fifty people that packed the church that night. It was an exciting moment, but that public moment was preceded by years and months of hard work and relationship building by Luke, and Katia, and their dad, and Pastor Emily and Daniel Roberts, right? Many people here -that’s what it took. It wasn’t about the moment itself. It was about the persistence that comes afterwards and meeting the next day, the next month, the next year.

And that’s why I appreciate the work of The Fig Tree. They write about people and our motivations and the institutions that we are a part of. I talk a lot about institutions. They get a bad rap, but I think about them as the churches, unions, synagogues, organizations that have stood up for families for reforms like child labor laws, like a minimum wage, like workers’ compensation. They have created, and the people that are part of them have created, everyday miracles of sheltering, nourishing, and humanizing each other.

From my own perspective, my family has weathered some storms recently, and it has taken both strong public policy and strong communities to keep my family intact, right? It has taken paid family medical leave and union health coverage and the state childcare subsidy, and it’s taken grandparents. Thank you, Mom, for helping raise our kids. It’s taken friends picking them up from school. It’s taken colleagues reminding me to eat. All of those, it’s taken institutions and our families to figure out how we shelter and nourish and humanize each other.

Relationships begin by knowing each other’s stories, and I believe that’s what The Fig Tree does. The Fig Tree stories are, for me, a resource guide for the gifts and talents in this community. They’re a starting point for stirring our curiosity about each other, which allows us to act together. Thank you.

Luc Jasmine III, Eastern Washington Governor’s Representative

I want to start off by saying I’m not supposed to be here. I remember sitting in high school, and a teacher told us that most Black men do not make it past twenty-six without being dead or incarcerated. Remember, I was an adolescent hearing this. That comment felt like the heaviest weight ever landing on top of me. It felt that way until I got home. I remember asking my parents, “We are Black, immigrant, and everything is so hard. Even though we’re good people, the statistics show we will not make it. So why do we keep going? Why don’t we give up?” My mom, without hesitation, said in Creole, “Bon Dieu and community.” God and community. Then, just like my mom, she walked off. 

Fast-forward today, I fully understand what she meant. There’s so much fear right now. There’s so much to be exhausted by. There’s so many moments where giving up feels like the only logical choice. I look around at rooms like these and see people like you showing up for organizations like The Fig Tree. It energizes me, and it brings me back to that persistence my parents have modeled. Persistence in work, persistence in faith, persistence in love. Somewhere today, a kid will walk into a church, a clinic, a food bank. They will pick up a copy of The Fig Tree. They will see my face, someone who looks like them, someone who keeps going, and that kid will know they can keep going on, too. That moment will happen because of you. Thank you.

LaRae Wiley, Colville Confederated Tribes, Former Director of the Salish School of Spokane

I am going to call up my translator. I really want you to hear our language because it’s beautiful. It’s really critically endangered, so I want you to be able to hear:  hear it and hear the sounds, and then I’m gonna share a song too. 

Hello, I am  N̓ʔiy̓sítaʔtkʷ the water woman, and I am a leader at Salish School of Spokane. And this guy is Chris, the principal, and he takes care of the finances and the school and the kids. And that’s my husband, too. He’s a good man.

The Fig Tree has really helped us. Even when we were small, there was just a few of us down in that basement with a few kids. And that Mary and the Fig Tree helped me, and they’re still helping me. In helping the school, helping us tell our story and to get the word out. And so thank you so much. You’ve done well by us Fig Tree. 

I want to sing for you an honor song – a good way to honor your good heart at the Fig Tree. 

Reverend David Gortner, Rector, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Greetings, everyone, and what a joy to gather together as people eager to make a difference. I’ve had the honor and joy of serving on the board of the Fig Tree for four years, and I continue to be impressed with the care, dedication, and energy of its staff and volunteers. I’m grateful for the stories they share, the connections they build and strengthen, the resources and good work they highlight, and the positive influence they nurture here in our strange little corner of the world. 

I want to focus on those first two words of our theme, persist together. These are essential for the good of the world. To persist is to continue firmly and resolutely on a path through thick and thin, not just when it’s smooth sailing, but also when it’s hard, when there’s opposition, when there are barriers or challenges or intermittent failures. We in this room represent a wide range of organizations and groups making a difference in people’s lives, large and small, spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally, environmentally, economically, educationally. 

And a key part of our work is persistence. That dogged showing up and offering what we can steadily and consistently. Building and rebuilding, strengthening and growing where we can. The Fig Tree has provided us at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Coeur d’Alene with opportunities to share some stories of ways we are trying to make a difference, large and small, as we persist in a challenging region. By how we model and provide space for courageous, caring conversations. By how we build purposeful partnerships with organizations like North Idaho College and the Human Rights Education Institute. By how we help people follow Jesus’s profound example of unwavering self-giving. That’s today, and we have persisted as the only church in recent years visibly supporting North Idaho College’s faculty and staff through what we might call the recent unpleasantness. 

I’m grateful for the ways that the Fig Tree has highlighted our work and the work of so many others. There’s a community being built through these shared stories, so we know we’re not alone, so we learn from each other, so we can form partnerships to persist together with creative passion. The Fig Tree and its resource directory lay out for us a menu of possibilities, but it’s up to us to take the next steps, to reach out and connect with others we haven’t met yet, to encourage each other, to explore ways we can strengthen our impact together. I encourage you to do that today with someone you don’t know. 

My wife and I experienced life-changing encounters with leaders of faith-informed organizations during our sabbatical this last summer in countries around the Mediterranean. You may have read about some of what we have to say. We’re going to continue to be saying some things. We’re happy to talk with you today more about the amazing work being done, just to highlight three countries, in Morocco, Spain, and Albania, that involve dedicated interfaith and intercultural partnerships and collaboration. The post-communist resurrection of religions in Albania is nothing short of miraculous. 

We came back inspired and eager to build similar partnerships here and to join with partnerships here. You’ll see columns from us in the months to come as we share insights and highlight some of those organizations to support, especially those that have been hurt by the dry up of USAID funding. These organizations in other countries are models for us, persisting, forging new partnerships together, and adapting to new realities. They’re not giving up. 

Persisting together begins with getting together like we are today and building relationships together. Yes, we need courage and passion and confidence to step forward. Yes, we need perseverance to stick it out and keep going. But even more, we need each other. So we need to bring a mix of curiosity, humility, and respect to every encounter with each other, to build up new relationships, to sustain and create partnerships, and to keep coming to the table and showing up and inviting others to the table. 

Together is a big word, so let’s let our tents stretch wide, and let’s continue to support The Fig Tree in its persistence of giving good voice to the good work being done across our communities, so people will know they’re not alone, that there are partners for the good work we’re all trying to do. We’re all seeking together to make miracles possible. Thank you.

The Fig Tree: Independent, nonprofit newspaper and resource directory in the Inland Northwest https://www.thefigtree.org/

Eric Hoffer’s “The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements” (1951) is a seminal work that examines the psychology of individuals who become deeply committed to mass movements, whether political, religious, or social. Hoffer’s analysis focuses on the motivations and characteristics of these “true believers” and the conditions that make mass movements thrive.

Key Psychological Traits of the True Believer

1. Discontent with the Present Self: True believers often feel a deep dissatisfaction with their personal lives. They see themselves as ineffectual, powerless, or insignificant and seek to escape this reality by merging their identity with a larger cause or movement [1]. Hoffer argues that this dissatisfaction drives people to seek meaning and purpose in something external, often leading them to embrace ideologies that promise radical change.

2. Desire for Certainty and Simplicity: True believers are drawn to movements that offer clear, black-and-white answers to complex problems. They crave certainty and are often intolerant of ambiguity or nuance.

3. Willingness to Sacrifice Individuality: Hoffer notes that true believers are willing to subordinate their individuality to the collective identity of the movement. This allows them to feel part of something greater than themselves, which can be empowering but also leads to fanaticism.

4. Frustration and Resentment:!Many true believers harbor feelings of frustration and resentment, often directed at society, elites, or other groups they perceive as responsible for their struggles. This resentment fuels their commitment to the movement and their willingness to fight for its goals.

5. Faith in a Glorious Future: True believers are often motivated by a vision of a utopian future promised by the movement. This vision gives them hope and a sense of purpose, even if it requires sacrificing the present [2].

6. Susceptibility to Leadership: Hoffer emphasizes that true believers are often drawn to charismatic leaders who embody the ideals of the movement and provide a sense of direction and unity.

Comparison to Modern “True Believers”

The psychological traits Hoffer identified remain relevant today and can be observed in the followers of contemporary political figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Bernie Sanders. While the specific ideologies and movements differ, the underlying motivations and behaviors of their most ardent supporters often align with Hoffer’s analysis.

1. Donald Trump: Many of Trump’s most devoted supporters exhibit traits of true believers, such as a strong desire for certainty, resentment toward perceived elites, and faith in Trump’s promises to “Make America Great Again.” His charismatic leadership and ability to channel frustration into a cohesive movement resonate with Hoffer’s description of mass movement dynamics.
2. Kamala Harris and Barack Obama: Supporters of Harris and Obama often emphasize their hope for a more inclusive and equitable future. While their movements may not exhibit the same level of fanaticism as others, the faith in their leadership and vision for change reflects some of the psychological traits Hoffer described, particularly the desire for a better future and identification with a collective cause [2].
3. Bernie Sanders: Sanders’ supporters often align with Hoffer’s analysis of frustration and resentment, particularly toward economic inequality and corporate power. His movement’s focus on systemic change and a vision of a more just society appeals to those seeking meaning and purpose through collective action.

Key Differences in Modern Contexts

While the psychological makeup of true believers remains consistent, modern mass movements are shaped by new factors:

• Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook amplify the reach of mass movements, allowing true believers to connect and organize more easily. This can intensify the sense of belonging and reinforce ideological echo chambers.

• Polarization: Modern politics is highly polarized, which can deepen the divide between opposing groups of true believers and increase the intensity of their commitment.

• Polarization: Modern politics is highly polarized, which can deepen the divide between opposing groups of true believers and increase the intensity of their commitment.

• Diverse Ideologies: Unlike the mid-20th century, today’s mass movements span a broader range of ideologies, from progressive to conservative, reflecting the complexity of modern societies.

Conclusion

Eric Hoffer’s insights into the psychology of the true believer remain strikingly relevant in understanding the dynamics of modern mass movements. Whether supporting Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, or Bernie Sanders, true believers today share many of the same psychological traits Hoffer identified: dissatisfaction with the present, faith in a better future, and a willingness to subordinate individuality to a collective cause. However, the tools and contexts of modern movements—such as social media and political polarization—have added new dimensions to the phenomenon.

To build coalitions and bridges beyond our own special interests:

1. Identify Common Goals: Successful coalitions often start with a clear understanding of the common goals and the necessity of collaboration. The process involves identifying the problems or goals that bring organizations together, understanding the community’s needs, and assembling a diverse group of stakeholders who can contribute to achieving the coalition’s objectives [7].
2. Engage Diverse Stakeholders: Include those most affected by the issue and leverage their unique perspectives and resources. This diversity can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.
3. Focus on Shared Interests: Cross-racial coalitions, for example, have been successful in addressing issues like voting rights and economic opportunities by focusing on shared interests or common threats [8].
4. Utilize Frameworks: Employ frameworks like the Health Impact Pyramid to assess local assets and challenges, coordinate activities, and monitor interventions effectively [9].
5. Promote Open Communication: Foster a culture of open dialogue and shared responsibility among coalition members to ensure all voices are heard and valued.

So to keep you up to date I will be publishing an African American portrait every Tuesday.

[contact-form]

There are now three First Thursday Coffee and Discussion groups meeting this Thursday March 1. 

• Original Group 10:00 am Rocket Market 726 E 43rd 
• First Thursday Evening at 6:30 pm Rocket Market 726 E 43rd
• Perry Street discussion usually held at The Shop at 10:00 am but this week being held at the organizer’s home so they can write letters to legislators as well as share resources and updates on what is happening. If you are interested in this group message Susan Hales on Facebook.

Possible discussion topics:

• President Trump’s State of the Union speech
• Youth Incarceration
• 13th The Movie
• Black Lunch Table
• Oscars: Moonlight/Hidden Figures/Fences
• Local Actions
• …….And anything else you have on your mind

[contact-form]

]]> https://4comculture.com/archives/9957/feed 0 9957 https://4comculture.com/archives/9942?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=first-thursday-coffee-and-discussion https://4comculture.com/archives/9942#respond Mon, 27 Feb 2017 21:55:26 +0000 https://4comculture.com/?p=9942 Continue reading →]]>

There are now two First Thursday Coffee and Discussion groups: 

• Original Group 10:00 am Rocket Market 726 E 43rd 
• First Thursday at 6:30 pm Rocket Market 726 E 43rd
• Third discussion group to be announced

Possible discussion topics:

• Youth Incarceration
• 13th The Movie
• Black Lunch Table
• Oscars: Moonlight/Hidden Figures/Fences
• Local Actions
• …….And anything else you have on your mind

[contact-form]

]]> https://4comculture.com/archives/9942/feed 0 9942 https://4comculture.com/archives/9490?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lets-commit-ourselves https://4comculture.com/archives/9490#respond Tue, 17 Jan 2017 19:50:24 +0000 https://4comculture.com/?p=9490 Continue reading →]]> Martin Luther King Day Celebration 2017

Click to view slideshow.

OK, we had our celebration with speeches and the march.

Now Let’s Commit Ourselves

Since 2008 news and social media have done nothing but complain about what politicians did and did not do. If they have not accomplished goals and objectives it is no one’s fault but your own.  If you are not satisfied with the 2016 election I suggest that you step up and do something about it.

From the list below, choose the issue you feel needs action,  list the issue and the name of an organization that works on that issue in the comment box below and fill in your contact information. If you do not know of an organization, volunteer to start such an organization. I will pass your contact information on to the appropriated organization. Also I will collate the information everyone contributes and post the results at this site 4comculture.com. To stay aware of current posts at this site in the right hand side bar SUBSCRIBE to receive an email notifying you of new posts (a couple per week).

What Will You Commit To

Protest (Civic Disobedience, Non-violent direct action, Go to jail), Government service, Social justice, Political action, Political parties (Democratic, Republican, Independent, Progressive), Employment (Jobs and training), Housing, Healthy food production, Education (K12, College), Environment (Climate change etc.) Community organizing, Social justice, Community service, Social services, Health and safety, Drug abuse prevention, Community security, Reproductive rights, Hunger, Homelessness, Race relations, Human relations, Art and culture, International affairs, Belief systems (Humanism etc.).

[contact-form]