We Must Leave What We Know To Win Part 2

To begin on our path forward, we must evaluate our strategies and tactics from the ground up, beginning with developing an overarching narrative, or what could be what we at New Working Majority are calling a Narrative Reality. A Narrative Reality is stories and narratives that, when deployed, affect how we perceive the world and what we believe “facts” and “reality” are. It communicates a “truth” to people who internalize it. How people perceive reality, facts, and truth is malleable, and Narrative Reality molds a person's perception of these things.

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A Narrative Reality must be intentional and consist of many different pieces and story threads. It must be a form of communication designed to affect the minds and emotions of your target audience; your target audience could be an opponent or ally. It ends up being the overarching narrative being told through all media, communications, organizing efforts, branding, and more.

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But more importantly, entire strategic interrogation and planning should be done. From revamping or creating a new theory of change, organizational mission, organizing strategy, communications strategy, strategic goals, and organizational strategic planning.

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From there, base and power building evaluation needs to be done. Potential questions to ask in this evaluation are as follows: Are we expanding our base, by making it easy for non-activated people to join, or are our people self-selecting? Is our organization in a position to help meet the needs of our communities? If not, can we, or is there another organization we can ally with to do so? Is our communication strategy integrated with our organizing strategy? How does our organizing and communication strategy fit within our theory of change?

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In the end, leaving what we know doesn't mean abandoning all we are currently doing—it means questioning all we’re doing, and being willing to leave it behind if it isn’t working. We have to do this instead of doubling down on our strategies and tactics of the last ten plus years.

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We at New Working Majority, are here to help you through this process as we continue to question what we know, and look to find new paths forward in the new world we inhabit.

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Read our other posts

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In this blog post, Dani reflects on a conversation she recently had with a friend and contemplates her personal growth. As she embarks on the final stages of her apprentice years, she considers the ways in which she has come to depend on the guidance and support of those more experienced than herself.

Moving from Leadership to Emerita-level Mentorship

New Working Majority began as a one-person consulting firm, with its initial contract being with Make the Road Pennsylvania/Make the Road Action (MRPA/MRAPA). Kati provided weekly training and coaching to a small staff, most of whom were from the organization's membership. After a year, the director left unexpectedly, and Maegan Llerena, the new Deputy Director, retained Kati to continue the training. Over the next six years, Kati coached Maegan, who eventually became the Executive Director.

Keeping Joy Alive as an Emerita

In a heartfelt reflection on 34 years in movement organizing, Kati recounts their journey from a novice canvasser to a seasoned advocate for social change. From winning legislative victories to helping workers form unions, they emphasize the joy that has fueled their advocacy, incorporating elements of theater and creativity into their activism—often in stiletto heels and vibrant costumes.