CORE’s Rules for Direct Action

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CORE’s (Congress of Racial Equality) Rules for Direct Action became a model for nonviolent resistance worldwide. Their emphasis on preparation, discipline, and moral clarity ensured that their actions were both effective and ethically grounded. These principles continue to influence modern social movements, from environmental activism to racial justice campaigns. By combining strategic planning with cultural tools, CORE and similar organizations demonstrated the power of nonviolence in achieving systemic change.

CORE’S Rules for Direct Action full article CLICK HERE

History and Influence of CORE article CLICK HERE

Potential Solutions to Key Social Justice Challenges

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Social justice is a complex and multifaceted challenge, but solutions are possible through systemic reforms, grassroots activism, and cultural shifts. By addressing inequality, promoting equity, and fostering inclusivity, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. These solutions require collaboration across sectors, sustained advocacy, and a commitment to the principles of human rights and dignity.

For full article CLICK HERE

“We’re All in This Together” ?

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Since Trump’s second election I have been hearing talk that “We’re all in this together”.

Ultimately, the true meaning of “all” lies not in its historical usage but in the ongoing efforts to make it **genuinely inclusive**—a call to action for continued progress in the pursuit of justice.

Let’s talk about this word “all”. What is your context? CLICK HERE for follow up.

Something You Can Do

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Spokane, like many cities in the United State has seen its share of protests over the years. And year after year thousands show up at the Martin Luther King Rally and March. Who’s who of Black Spokane will show up. Black organizations and community centers show up. Church groups show up. Local press shows up. Politicians show up. They are ethnically and economically diverse. In 2011 there was a bomb found along the MLK March route. For the following year thousands more turned out for the march.

One of the current cliches is that we are all in it together. But how is this expressed in terms of social justice? In the constitution it says liberty and justice for all, but Blacks were counted as only 3/5ths of a person. The diversity of the nation has increased through immigration but we still all live in our silos and everyone was not and is not considered equal. One of most segregated organizations are our churches. But now when we are on the verge of a tyranny when everyone is losing their rights suddenly we are all in it together. But our protests are still segregated. The only diverse marches and rallies here in Spokane are the Martin Luther King rally and march in January of each year.

Thousands Turn Out in Spokane and The Nation

Our protests are not diverse. Think of these examples:

Civil Rights Movement (1960s -1970s)
Vietnam War Protests (1960s -1970s)
Environmental Movements (1970s – present)
Indigenous Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Black Lives Matter (2010s – present)
Protest Anti-Semitism
Protest Anti-Muslim
Open Housing
Homeless Rights
Economic and Labor Protests
Anti-Trump Protests
Women’s March

How do we all work together? When people leave the meetings and rallies they return to their homogeneous communities. Check out the following links for things that can be done in-between the significant emotional events of major protests.

198 Methods of Nonviolent Action:

Pass this out at every march, rally and meeting you attend

Practitioners of nonviolent struggle have an entire arsenal of “nonviolent weapons” at their disposal. Listed below are 198 of them, classified into three broad categories: nonviolent protest and persuasion, noncooperation (social, economic, and political), and nonviolent intervention. A description and historical examples of each can be found in volume two of The Politics of Nonviolent Action, by Gene Sharp

If It Doesn’t Affect Me Why Should I Care?

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I haven’t lost my Social Security check yet.

I’ve got health care.

DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) doesn’t affect me.

I’ve got a job.

I’m not an immigrant.

Addressing the question “if it doesn’t affect me directly, why should I care?”, it’s crucial to understand the broader impact of community organizations. Understanding and evaluating community organizations requires a multifaceted approach. By considering their effectiveness, transparency, coalition-building efforts, and legitimacy indicators, you can make informed decisions about which organizations to support and engage with. Remember that while an organization’s impact may not always be immediately apparent to you personally, their work often contributes to broader societal improvements that can benefit everyone in the long term.

For full article We Need Organizations CLICK HERE

Actions and Strategies

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For full article CLICK HERE

IN TIMES OF TRUMP DISMANTLING AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 

Comprehensive Strategies to Regain Control and Protect Democratic Institutions from Systematic Dismantling

# Immediate Action Strategies

The success of these strategies depends on coordinated action across multiple sectors and sustained commitment to democratic principles. The research suggests that combining legal mechanisms, civil society action, and international support provides the most effective approach to protecting and restoring democratic institutions.

Celebrating Women in History

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Famous Firsts by American Women

Obama Warned You

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Obama Speech July 13, 2012 in Roanoke Virginia

President Barack Obama’s Speech July 13, 2012 in Roanoke Virginia

Why Is There DEI – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

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Executive Order

Why Has the Engine of Progress Stalled?

Persistent inequality is obviously serious, and if discrimination were the primary problem, then race-conscious remedies might be appropriate. But while white racism was central to the story in 1964, today the picture is much more complicated. Thus while blacks and whites now graduate at the same rate from high school today and are almost equally likely to attend college, on average they are not equally educated. That is, looking at years of schooling in assessing the racial gap in family income tells us little about the cognitive skills whites and blacks bring to the job market. And cognitive skills obviously affect earnings.

In the decades since affirmative action policies were first instituted, the poverty rate has remained basically unchanged. Despite black gains by numerous other measures, close to 30 percent of black families still live below the poverty line. “There are those who say, my fellow Americans, that even good affirmative action programs are no longer needed,” President Clinton said in July 1995. But “let us consider,” he went on, that “the unemployment rate for African Americans remains about twice that of whites.” Racial preferences are the president’s answer to persistent inequality, although a quarter-century of affirmative action has done nothing whatever to close the unemployment gap.

100 Years of American History in Black and White

Thinking Critically with Community Organizing

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If you want to be empowered or empowering you may want to start with critical thinking. If you do this we can build our own table.

Click here for a guide to critical thinking.

Encouraging Adoption in Grassroots Organizations and Individuals

Critical thinking is essential for making informed decisions and solving complex problems within communities. It enables individuals to navigate complex social issues, make sound decisions, and develop effective solutions to communal problems [4].

Research indicates a strong correlation between critical thinking and enhanced problem-solving abilities, which is crucial for addressing community challenges [4].

strategies for thinking critically

To promote the use of critical thinking skills in grassroots community organizations several strategies can be employed:

  • Promoting Engagement: Encourage individuals to engage with different levels of understanding. This involves teaching them to question assumptions and consider multiple viewpoints [5].
  • Implementing Innovative Teaching Approaches: Use active learning strategies that encourage participation, discussion, and the application of knowledge in real-world scenarios. 5].
  • Addressing Psychological Barriers: Provide training and workshops that address psychological barriers like biases and social pressures. This can help individuals become more open to critical thinking and challenge existing beliefs [6].
  • Developing Community-Based Learning Programs: Create learning programs tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the community. These programs should focus on critical thinking and make the skills relevant to the community’s challenges [5].
  • Facilitating Open Discussions: Create environments that encourage open discussions and the acceptance of diverse views. This can help overcome resistance to critical thinking and promote a culture of respect and inclusivity [5].
  • Utilizing Effective Teaching Methods: Employ teaching strategies specifically designed for participants and community organizations, such as:
  1. Active Learning: Engage participants directly in the learning process through case studies, role-playing exercises, and group projects [7].
  2. Experiential Learning: Use simulations, field trips, and problem-based learning to help participants apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings [8].
  3. Collaborative Learning: Encourage group work to achieve common goals, fostering teamwork and communication skills [9].
  4. Problem-Based Learning: Challenge participants to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems, fostering critical thinking and creativity [10].
  • Incorporating Real-World Applications: Design case studies and problem-solving exercises that mirror workplace and community challenges. This makes learning more meaningful and actionable for participants. [11].
  • Providing Regular Feedback: Offer constructive feedback to help participants understand their progress and areas for improvement. This can be achieved through interactive quizzes, assessments, and one-on-one coaching sessions [4].

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, grassroots organizations and individuals can develop a stronger foundation in critical thinking skills. This will lead to more effective decision-making, problem-solving, and overall community development. The key is to make critical thinking relevant, engaging, and applicable to real-world situations that community members face daily.

Click here for a guide to critical thinking.