Posts Tagged ‘Detroit’

Activism in action

After working on a couple of campaigns where I was deep in the trenches — knocking on doors, making phone calls and spending time in the field — much of my activism lately has been focused on educating and engaging people through the words I write. So it’s been a pleasure to jump back into hands-on activism, volunteering with Lady Parts Justice Michigan to help put together V to Shining V Detroit 2015 on September 26. Being part of a community of activists inspires and energizes me, taking the work I do in new and dynamic directions.

AmyHandPicThis marks the second year that Lady Parts Justice has encouraged activists across the country to get involved in this national celebration of women, an event geared toward making sure the public is aware of the most vital issues facing women in their state before the next election in November.

Lady Parts Justice is, first and foremost, about pushing back against the regressive laws that are eroding reproductive access in the U.S. But it’s about so much more.

It’s about making sure women can get every healthcare service they need. It’s about elevating the voices of women — all women — in the ongoing pursuit of full equality. It’s about staying united in the vital mission of protecting women’s rights. It’s about having some fun while we make some noise and make some change for the good of women everywhere.

KelseyHandPic Equally important, it’s about community. It’s about building communities of women and their allies, communities that not only put together one heck of a good event once a year, but who continue collaborating as activists all year long — raising awareness of the laws in our state that are deeply harmful to women.

It’s hard to believe that in 2015, women still don’t have equal pay or unquestioned bodily autonomy. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Sexism and discrimination and gender inequality are everywhere, no matter whether you’re gay or straight, cis or trans, white or black. It’s everywhere and it can be disheartening.

NataleeHandPicBut what Lady Parts Justice and our united efforts remind us of is the fact that we still have a voice. We, as women and men and citizens, still have the power to drive change. There’s no one “right” way to do activism. For some, it’s writing a letter to the editor or sending a donation. For others, it’s about tweeting and posting on social media. For many, it’s about volunteering their time and energy, whether it’s performing at an event or baking cookies to raise some extra funds.

As a writer, one of the ways I think I can best drive change is by creating content that informs people and motivates them to take action. Along with a team of volunteers, I did that as the lead media volunteer for our event this year. But that’s not all. I joined my fellow volunteers at all-team meetings to brainstorm and plan for the event over the last few months.

LaceyHandPicIn Michigan, more than 25 volunteers raised their hands to help in some way to make V to Shining V Detroit 2015 possible. Every time I gathered with my sisters and brothers, I felt inspired and heartened by their energy and determination to make a difference.

I’m so very proud to be part of the Lady Parts Justice Michigan community — an incredible group of women and men who are willing to share their time and talent to stand up for the most important issues facing women in our state and across the country. Even after V to Shining V 2015 is over, this community will continue to support each other and make good things happen.

I can’t wait to see what we do next.

Doing what I love at Netroots Nation

I’m one of the lucky people who gets to do something I love for a living. Even better? Getting to do a lot of things I love all at once — which I’ll be doing when I present an Ignite talk at the Netroots Nation conference in Detroit on July 19.

I’ve always been a writer and storyteller. I’ve been a freelance writer and strategist most of my career. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

But I have another love: theatre. I spent more than 20 years working in local theatre, performing in and directing one or two shows a year. I miss being onstage, and I miss the unique kind of storytelling involved in playing a role like Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd or directing a play like Amadeus.

BFDpicAt Netroots Nation, I get to do all that again — but in a new way. The Ignite format gives presenters five minutes to speak, accompanied by 20 slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds.

In this high-energy format, I’ll be talking about the Affordable Care Act and using personal stories of how it benefits Americans to demonstrate the value of healthcare reform.

My passion as a writer and strategist is using communications for social good, to educate and engage people in issue advocacy and change minds. At Netroots Nation, I get to combine that with my love of theatre, transformed into a very personal kind of storytelling.

I can’t wait.

If you’ll be at Netroots Nation — the country’s largest gathering of progressive leaders, activists and grassroots organizers — don’t miss the Ignite closing keynote on Saturday, July 19 starting at 4:30 p.m. ET. I’m one of 14 presenters who will be taking the stage to tell our stories.

The keynote may be available via live streaming, or I’ll post a video later. Tickets to Netroots Nation are also available if you’d like to attend starting July 17.

Although my Ignite talk will definitely be a high point for me, I’m looking forward to the entire conference. I’ll be doing what I love with thousands of others who feel the same way.

How lucky can you get?

Harvesting fresh produce and more

Keep Growing Detroit is one of my favorite good-news stories this year.

plum_field 2I’ve been following them since I first heard about their inspiring urban gardening project at TEDMED, and am delighted to see them harvesting great things from the seeds they’ve sown.

They’re not only growing produce to serve the people of Detroit. They’re strengthening communities and giving Detroiters new sources of income.

Read what I wrote about Keep Growing Detroit’s successful year at Eclectablog.

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