Host: Tawanna Dillahunt, Associate Professor of Information at the University of Michigan and MLK Fellow at MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
Guests: Alex Lu, PhD candidate at the University of Michigan School of Information, and Joanna Velasquez, a dynamic organizer from Detroit Action.
Episode Overview: This thought-provoking episode delves into the future of labor and community organization with insights from Alex Lu and Joanna Velasquez. Set against the backdrop of Detroit’s evolving landscape, the discussion navigates the challenges and triumphs of grassroots mobilization, the importance of community values in shaping policy, and the envisioning of utopian futures grounded in collective action and equity.
Key Discussion Points:
- Community-Based Organizing: Joanna Velasquez of Detroit Action shares her journey into political action, driven by personal experiences and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. The conversation explores Detroit Action’s innovative approaches to issue-based campaigning, leader development, and civic engagement.
- Visioning Utopian Futures: The episode highlights the power of envisioning utopian futures as a catalyst for change. Guests discuss the importance of imagining a world where pressing community issues are addressed, fostering a space for creativity and hope in the pursuit of equitable solutions.
- The Role of Technology: Delving into the relationship between technology and community organizing, the dialogue examines how digital tools can support the documentation and visualization of collective goals, while also acknowledging the nuanced challenges technology presents in various communities.
- Navigating Conflicts and Shared Values: Through engaging storytelling, the episode uncovers strategies for navigating conflicts within community organizing, emphasizing the significance of shared values, deep relationships, and respectful dialogue in building consensus and driving forward collective goals.
- Advocacy in Action: The discussion showcases real-world examples of policy and budget campaigns led by Detroit Action, illustrating the tangible impact of organized community efforts in shaping public policy and resource allocation towards more equitable outcomes.
Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own communities’ strengths and challenges, engaging in conversations about their visions for a more just and inclusive future. The episode serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of grounding our aspirations for technological and social progress in community values and needs.
Credits: Show notes created with the support of AI.