SOCIAL MOVEMENTS DIRECTORY

[Pages:62]SOCIAL MOVEMENTS DIRECTORY

MAKING EFFECTIVE CHANGE: SOCIAL MOVEMENT ORGANIZING

AND ACTIVISM FALL 2012,

THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE, OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON



CONTENTS

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Project Description

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Program Description

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Students and Faculty

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Class / Economic Justice / Labor

13 Racial/Ethnic/Immigration

22 Militarism / GIs / International Solidarity

32 Environmental Justice

40 Indigenous Sovereignty

51 Gender / Feminism / LGBTQ

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In Fall 2012, students at The Evergreen State College studied social movements as part of the program "Making Effective Change: Social Movement Organizing and Activism." To prepare for their research project, students were organized into six thematic groups (two per seminar). The seminar thematic groups were Class / Economic Justice / Labor, Racial / Ethnic / Immigration, Militarism / GI / International Solidarity, Environmental Justice, Indigenous Sovereignty, and Gender / Feminism / Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ).

As part of their three-part research project, the students gathered web-based information about organizations within a social movement, which would be compiled as a class directory and released to the campus community. They used the Internet to find and research organizations that challenge the existing society to change (progressive, left-wing, etc.), and

organizations that have historically defended the social status quo (conservative, rightwing, etc.). The organizations listed within each social movement section are divided into these two perspectives. In general, fewer groups were found in the second category, since the historical status quo perspective tend to have adequate resources available from large institutions (government, military, corporations, etc.)

The students used their research to familiarize themselves with the range of goals, strategies, tactics within the movements, and internal debates, in preparation for Part II of the project (analysis of a single organization within the movement) and Part III (an interview with an individual within the organization). They listed the organization name, website, the group-defined mission or goals, mailing address, phone, and email, in this format:

Name of organization Website Mission or goals Mailing address Phone Contact/Email

Students selected a diverse range of organizations that are currently active, on a local, regional, national or global level. The list is by no means comprehensive, and can only offer examples of social movement organizations. The Directory can only provide a starting point in researching these extensive social movements in the U.S. and abroad.

The Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural in downtown Olympia represents social

movement organizations (from around the city and the world) as "leaves" on a tree.

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MAKING EFFECTIVE CHANGE: SOCIAL MOVEMENT ORGANIZING AND ACTIVISM

2012-13 PROGRAM, THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE, OLYMPIA WA

Social movements don't just happen. They emerge in complex, often subtle ways out of shifting historic conditions, at first unnoticed or underestimated. Social movements-across the political spectrum--push us to examine a wide array of questions about ideas, communication and organization, and how people are inspired and mobilized to create change. In this program, we will explore what individuals and communities can do about whatever issues are of most concern to them.

This program will examine methods of community organizing that educate and draw people into social movements, and methods of activism that can turn their interests and commitment into effective action. Key to this will be how movements construct and frame their strategies, using a toolkit of tactics. Our foundation will be the contemporary U.S. scene, but we'll draw on historical roots and lessons from the past, as well as on models from other countries. It will be crucial for us to look at the contexts of global, national and regional movements, and how they shape (and are shaped by) events at the local scale.

In fall quarter we'll undertake a comparative exploration of strategies and tactics of various social movements in the U.S. and abroad, and critically analyze their effectiveness and applicability. We'll explore movements based around class and economic equality (such as labor rank-andfile, welfare rights and anti-foreclosure groups), as well as those based around identities of race, nationality and gender (such as civil rights, feminist, Native sovereignty, LGBTQ, and immigrant rights groups). The program will also examine movements that focus on life's resources, from environmental justice to health, education and housing. Our examinations and explorations will take us across the

political spectrum, including lessons from how populist movements effectively reach and mobilize disillusioned people, including right-wing populist movements, such as the Tea Party, pro-life/anti-choice and anti-gay movements, and anti-immigrant, antiindigenous, and other white supremacist groups.

During winter quarter, we'll explore the ways that movements emerge and grow, focusing on themes that cut across organizations, and developing practical skills centered on these themes. Our discussions will include how movements reflect and tell people's stories (through interviews, theater, etc.). Central to our work will be an examination of ways to communicate with people from different walks of life, using accessible language and imagery (through personal interaction, popular education, alternative media, etc.). We'll critically examine how groups use mainstream institutions to effect change (such as press releases, research centers, legislative tactics, etc.). We'll examine and critique the use of the internet and social media in networking people, and share innovative uses of culture (film, audio, art, music, etc.). We'll assess the effectiveness and creativity of actions at different scales (rallies, direct actions, boycotts, etc.). Finally, we will look at relationships between social movements with different organizing styles, and how they have built alliances, as well as the internal dynamics within organizations.

Spring quarter will be a time for in-depth work through different types of projects: comparative critiques of movement strategies, critical social history of a movement, direct work with a local or regional movement, critical exploration of movement literature, or development of media, including such possibilities as social media, short film pieces, photography, web pages, photovoice, and podcasting. Throughout the program, our work will be shaped by a range of community organizers, activists, and scholars. Projects will use community-based research and documentation, with a view toward the sharing and presenting of work, in connection with partners and collaborators.

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FACULTY

Zolt?n Grossman Geography/Native Studies grossmaz@evergreen.edu

Lin Nelson Sociology nelsonl@evergreen.edu

Anthony Zaragoza Political Economy zaragozt@evergreen.edu

STUDENT RESEARCH GROUPS

Class / Economic Justice / Labor Polly Bilchuk Haley Bryant Kiara Eakers-Porter Rocky Hollenbaugh Katrina R. Jones Ginger J. Krinsky Alex Marroquin David Rosenthal Alexander C. Steinfeld Benjamin J. Thale-Galat

Race / Ethnicity / Immigration Michael Abdon Joseph Ademofe Kristina Amphy Leah Aragon Sabra Chandiwalla Jose Chavez Sarah Flatt Max Hanckel Allie Harders Stefan A. Moye Rafael Ruiz Reese A. Semanko David P. Weatherspoon

Militarism / GIs / International Solidarity Lawrence Abrams Jaime Alarc?n Charleen Bray Randy Dunn Cameron Faison Zachary Fleig McKenzie Gunns Sean Keegan Estella Rogers Allison Scott Pacheena Shuen-Mitchell Chrystal Betleski

Indigenous Sovereignty Matt Bambara Dolores Carney Alison Rosa Clark Natalie Giles Caleb Hepker Jessi Howard Sara Kukkonen Amanda Niles Whitney Queral Johannah Tallon Brittni Watts

Environmental Justice Joe Briggs Hollis Clark Jeff Cole Jennifer Foster Kevin Gavalis Cache Hunter Wes Jones Gavin Kerr Monica Morgan Liz Quincy Brendan Rosgen Gord Scott Tyler Sison Isabel Watts

Gender / Feminism / LGBTQ Anders Blomberg Kaija D'Aigle Alex Dufurrenca Talitha Fanous Erin Griffin Angela Hannah Sheryl Hill Euri Lomax Dannie Parke Marc Taylor Michaela Wright

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CLASS / ECONOMIC JUSTICE / LABOR ORGANIZATIONS

PRO-WORKING CLASS

Abahlali baseMjondolo The Abahlali baseMjondolo (South African Shackdwellers' Movement) seeks to achieve public expropriation of privately owned landholdings in the Durban area of South Africa. They work to create better overall conditions for the poor and those in public housing. "Democratize South Africa from the bottom up." Suite 416 Tower B., Salisbury Centre, 347351 West Street, Durban, 4001, South Africa (+27 031) 304 6420

American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees AFSCME claims to be "the largest and fastest growing public services employees union" with an estimate of 1.6 million active and retired members. "AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families." 1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20036 (202)-429-1000 mmon/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=78 0

American Rights at Work Strives to improve the climate in which workers can exercise their rights in the workplace. American Rights at Work educates the public about the barriers that workers face when they attempt to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. (202) 822-2127 info@

Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco workers, and Grain Millers International Union The BCTGM is "a modern union with old fashioned values." The organization provides workers with a voice and vote inside its industry's workplace. It represents

production, maintenance and sanitation workers in bakeries, as well as tobacco and grain milling industries in Northern America. bctgmwebmaster@

Campaign for America's Future Challenges the big money corporate agenda and advances a progressive economic agenda and a vision of the future that works for the many, not simply the few. 1825 K Street NW Suite 400 Washington DC 20006 (202) 955-5665

Center for Economic and Social Justice CESJ is a non-profit educational center, think tank and social action catalyst. We are dedicated to a free enterprise approach to economic and social justice for all, through equal opportunities to capital ownership for every person. P.O. Box 40711, Washington, D.C. 20016 (703) 243-5155 info@

Center for Law and Social Policy CLASP is a public interest law and policy organization which promotes policies to improve the economic security of lowincome families and to secure access to our civil justice system for all low-income persons. 1200 18th St NW, Ste 200, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 906-8000

Class Action Class Action provides a dynamic framework and analysis, as well as a safe space, for people of all backgrounds to identify and address issues of class and classism. We do this through powerful interactive trainings, workshops, presentations, organizational consulting, and public education. 30 Germania St., Bldg. L, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (617) 477-8635 info@

Coalition on Human Needs CHN is an alliance of national civil rights,

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religious, labor, and professional organizations working together to promote public policies which address the needs of low-income and other vulnerable populations -- children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. 1120 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 312 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-2532 info@

Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties The Community Action Council is a nonprofit agency committed to improving the quality of life for those in our community by helping meet the basic needs of housing, heating, safety, mental health, food and nutrition for families and individuals and to lessen the impact of poverty . While providing services directly, and through partnerships, we strive to empower and strengthen families and promote selfsufficiency. 420 Golf Club Road SE Lacey, WA 98503 (360) 438-1100 info@

Community Action Partnership "A nonprofit, national membership organization representing the interests of the 1,100 Community Action Agencies across the country that annually help 17 million lowincome Americans achieve economic security." The organizations current goal is "identifying, disseminating and implementing successful best practices for CAAs and related organizations." 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 1210, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 265-7546 /index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=82

Community Alliance for Global Justice "CAGJ educates and mobilizes with individuals and organizations to strengthen local economies everywhere. CAGJ is grassroots, community-based and committed to anti-oppressive organizing as we build solidarity across diverse movements. CAGJ seeks to transform unjust trade and agricultural policies and practices imposed by corporations, governments and other institutions while

creating and supporting alternatives that embody social justice, sustainability, diversity and grassroots democracy." 606 Maynard Ave. S. #102, Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 405-4600 contact_us@

Discount Foundation Since its formation in 1977, Discount has supported community organizing groups working to empower low-income and poor urban residents to improve their communities, living conditions and economic opportunities. In 2009, the Foundation modified its focus establishing its Organizing for Worker Justice program." 115 South Oxford Street, #569, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (646) 558-6020

Fair Labor Association "FLA is a collaborative effort of universities, civil society organizations and socially responsible companies dedicated to protecting workers' rights around the world." FLA sets standards for fair labor practices, monitors companies by conducting external assessments, and encourages responsible behavior in companies. FLA is an international organization. 1111 19th St. NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20036 (202)-898-1000

Food Not Bombs "Food Not Bombs recovers and shares free vegan or vegetarian food with the public without restriction in over 1,000 cities around the world to protest war, poverty and the destruction of the environment. Each group is independent and invites everyone to participate in making decisions for their local chapter using the consensus process. Food Not Bombs is dedicated to taking nonviolent direct action to change society so no one is forced to stand in line to eat at a soup kitchen expressing a commitment to the fact that food is a right and not a privilege." P.O. Box 424, Arroyo Seco, NM 87514 (575) 770-3377 menu@

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Global Justice Movement The Global Justice Movement is an international advocacy group for the promotion of fair trade and reformation of global economic institutions like the WTO. The GJM seeks accountability for any and all public institutions providing health care and education. Their mission is "to make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time, through spontaneous cooperation, without ecological offense or the disadvantage of anyone." info@

Good Jobs First Provides timely, accurate information to the public, the media, public officials, and economic development professionals on best practices in state and local job subsidies. 1616 P Street NW, Suite 210, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 232-1616 goodjobs@

Grassroots Global Justice The GGJ is a national alliance of grassroots organizations building a popular movement for peace, democracy and a sustainable world. We support each other's local struggles and collaborate with international allies who share our vision and commitment to building a transformative social justice movement beyond borders. PO Box 610663, North Miami FL 33261 (305) 735.3256 ggj@

HEIFER International HEIFER International is a donation-run organization whose work and main goal is to eradicate hunger as well as poverty by working with communities while helping care for/heal the planet. 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202 (800) 422-0474 info@ Industrial Workers of the World Since 1905, the IWW has been an international member-run union and organization open to workers from all fields and industries. They are one of the oldest and foremost groups to work for better

overall conditions for workers. The IWW continually and actively works with other independent unions and groups in many nations to counter corporate manipulation of employees. "By organizing industrially we are forming the structure of the new society within the shell of the old." PO Box 180195, Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 728-0996 ghq@

Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights A non-profit organization "dedicated to the promotion and defense of internationally recognized worker rights in the global economy." IGLHR's mission is to promote as well as defend the rights of all people within the global economy for women and men. 5 Gateway Center, 6th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 562-2406 inbox@

Interfaith Worker Justice IWJ advances the rights of workers by engaging diverse faith communities into action, from grassroots organizing to shaping policy at the local, state and national levels. 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 (773) 728-8400

International Labor Rights Forum ILRF is an advocacy organization dedicated to achieving just and humane treatment for workers worldwide. 1634 I St NW, Ste 1001, Washington, DC 20006 (202) 347-4100

International Labour Organization The ILO is the international organization responsible for drawing up and overseeing international labour standards. It is the only 'tripartite' United Nations agency that brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programmes promoting Decent Work for all. LIM_INTERNS@.pe

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International Longshore and Warehouse Union ILWU members take action by mobilizing as well as educating other union members, making them aware of threats to labor rights, and encouraging them to actively participate in politics. 1188 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 775-0533

Jobs with Justice JwJ is a national network of local coalitions that bring together labor unions, faith groups, community organizations, and student activists to fight for working people. Our members are in the streets in 46 cities in 24 states across the country. 1616 P St NW, Ste 150, Washington DC 20036 (202) 393-1044 wjnational@

Labor Notes A media organization project meant to be the voice of union activists and workers. Labor Notes offers news, that mainstream media often does not bother printing, to workers from the workers point of view. "Exploring the trends keeping workers on the defensive and analyze labors responses." 7435 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210 (313) 842-6262 labornotes@

Legacy of Equality, Leadership and Organizing LELO is a racial and economic justice workers' rights 501c3 nonprofit organization. Led by ordinary workers, develop leadership of those most marginalized in our society: people of color, working class women, recent immigrants and LGBTQ workers. Our social change strategy is local organizing, with emphasis on political education and solidarity networks with workers across all borders. 3518 S. Edmunds St., Seattle, WA 98118 (206) 860-1400 workers@

London Coalition Against Poverty

The LCAP helps individuals and families who have been unfairly evicted and works to improve conditions in low-income housing properties. They work to find jobs for the homeless and help workers receive fair benefits and treatment from their employers. (+44 0207) 247-6101 londoncoalitionagainstpoverty@

Lucy Parson's Workers' Center The LPWC offers training courses on worker mobilization and organization. It teaches how to "organize with co-workers to improve workplace conditions including better hours, wages, safety, paid sick days, maternity/paternity leave, paid days off, workplace dignity, and job security." They help local workers and unions get justice through picketing, organized marches etc. (312) 772-3794 LucyCenter@

Maquila Solidarity Network A women's rights and labor organization supporting workers efforts in the worlds supply chains. "MSN works with individual companies and multi-stakeholder groups...to identify and promote industrywide solutions to systemic problems... to reverse the `race to the bottom.'" 606 Shaw St, Toronto ON M6G 3L6 Canada (416) 532-8584

May 15 Movement democraciarealya.es As the most prominent Spanish revolutionary group to emerge from the EU's economic crisis, M-15 organizes day or even week-long marches located in the heart of Spain's biggest cities. M-15 calls for an "ethical revolution" which would remove Spain's current rightwing prime minister Mariano Rajoy and reform of his economic policies. "The will and purpose of the current system is the accumulation of money, without regard for efficiency or the welfare of society. [This] is wasting resources, destroying the planet, and creating unemployment and unhappy consumers." contacto@democraciarealya.es

MDRC The Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation is best known for mounting

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