Diversifying the Movement through Community Outreach

1. Diversifying the Movement through Community OutreachVanna CureAsia Bijan ThompsonGeorges BudaguAlice Aluoch

2. RESULTS AO Value Statement RESULTS is a movement of passionate, committed everyday people. Together we use our voices to influence political decisions that will bring an end to poverty. Poverty cannot end as long as oppression exists. We commit to opposing all forms of oppression, including racism, classism, colonialism, white saviorism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, and religious discrimination. At RESULTS we pledge to create space for all voices, including those of us who are currently experiencing poverty. We will address oppressive behavior in our interactions, families, communities, work, and world. Our strength is rooted in our diversity of experiences, not in our assumptions. With unearned privilege comes the responsibility to act so the burden to educate and change doesn’t fall solely on those experiencing oppression. When we miss the mark on our values, we will acknowledge our mistake, seek forgiveness, learn, and work together as a community to pursue equity. There are no saviors -- only partners, advocates, and allies. I agree to help make the RESULTS movement a respectful, inclusive space

3. Vanna CureSenior Advocacy ManagerProsperity Now

4. Group Discussion What are some of the challenges of diversifying your outreach efforts? If you are seeking to join a local advocacy group, what challenges have you had with feeling welcome and included?

5. Learning Objectives Attendees will learn how to tailor their personal story to build diverse movements Attendees will learn best practices for reaching diverse populations Attendees will learn best practices for sustaining diverse organizing movements beyond political moments

6. What’s at Stake? • No policy is one size fits all • The wealth inequality crisis • Lack of inclusion breeds inaction/apathy

7. 4 Components of Movement-Building

8. Asia Bijan ThompsonAdvocate and Expert on PovertyRESULTS

9. Alice AluochGlobal Health OrganizerRESULTS

10. Build Relationships Across Race and Culture • Seek out people from different backgrounds • Parity engagement/Avoid tokenizing • Committed - long term relationships • Mind your manners

11. Cont’d • Be prepared to make mistakes • Interrupt patterns of racism, colonialism or any forms of oppression. • Don’t make assumptions • Be prepared to feel odd

12. Strategies for Inclusive Engagement Build personal relationships with target population • Maintain a presence within the community • Engage community leaders as advocates • Partner with diverse organizations and agencies Create a welcoming atmosphere • Make sure to understand that “this is the way we’ve always done it” might not work for other cultural groups. For example, try switching the time of your event to accommodate a range of schedules.

13. Cont’d • Increase Flexibility Do not hold events or programs on dates that correspond with ANY religious/cultural holidays! • Develop alternative methods for engagement Understand the differences and disparities that make some cultural, ethnic, or racial groups more likely to respond to one kind of outreach than another. • Make space for other people to lead

14. Small group activities • Can you think of an organization/people in your area you can contact? • Think about your chapter, what are some of the things you might need to change to be more inclusive?

15. Georges BudaguAdvocateRESULTS

16. RESULTS IC 2018