Neighborhood Toolkit #4

Movement Ecology:  Who You Are Is What Is Needed 

(adapted from Activist Aptitudes, Pachamama Alliance)

Look at this list.  Take a few minutes to identify which of these qualities and aptitudes are yours or you want to develop.  We need them all, in order to create the level of change that’s required now!  Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 3:  

1=Not Me,  2=Maybe?,  3=Yes ME

___  A. I’m good at organizing: people, money and time.  I have a good sense of how groups, organizations & systems work & how to get things done in the world.  I’m good with accountability, details, and follow through.  I know how to motivate people and can provide a grounded sense of possibility. 

___ B. I’m a good researcher and  writer.   

___ C.I like to experiment, learn by doing, and am good with course correcting as we go and willing to stretch and try things that I don’t know how to do. 

___ D. I’m a good storyteller.  I’m good at teaching people how to do things.   I’m good at speaking in front of people. 

___ E. I’m good with social media and debunking misinformation. 

___ F. I am comfortable engaging with multiple cultures. 

___ G. I help people work through arguments and disputes.  I can read a room, sensing what’s not being said.  I’m willing to have uncomfortable conversations and am good at holding boundaries, with love and respect.  I’m good at bringing people together to talk through ideas and issues so we can come to a common understanding and create a plan. 

___ H. I nurture people. I can make people feel welcome and feel like they have a place in the group.  I know how to make things fun.  I’m good at hosting and creating great events and gatherings. 

___ I. I am connected to Spirit, the sacred and the big picture, and can be counted on to bring that to the group. 

___ J. I like to be on the front lines, taking uncomfortable actions to shake up the status quo, to raise awareness, and to build power.  I’m good in a crisis. 

My aptitudes / strengths are:

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What skills, expertise / qualities do you want to further develop?

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What brings the most fulfillment / joy?

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Where in the movement ecosystem do you currently focus your activism?  Where are you drawn to become more active?

On a scale of 1 to 3, rate where your strengths best fit: 1=Not Me, 2=Maybe?, 3=Yes ME 

1.  __Personal Transformation: What can I personally do to bring about needed change?

• Inner Work

  • Self Care, Self-Reflection Find Balance through Healthy Boundaries

  • Be Curious, Willing to Learn & Change

  • Develop Skills / Expertise / Qualities  e.g. Deep Conversations

• Helping Others

  • Neighborhood Connections (eg. healthcare, education, social services …)

  • Assess Needs of Community & Take Action

  • Emergency Preparedness

2. __Alternative Visions: What do we want for our world to look like?

• Make Democracy and Justice Work For Everyone

• Fair Distribution of Housing, Food, Health, Energy, Media, Safety, Education  

• Reuse, Recycle, Restore (buy nothing/trash nothing, free cycle)

• The Great Turning, The Great Simplification, Well-Being For All, Doughnut Economics … 

3. __Inside Game: How can we work within the current system to improve things?

• Access / Target Decision-Makers (policy and law makers)

• Legal Actions, Voting, Running for Office

4. __Structure-Based Organizing: How shall we use organizations and institutions to create needed change?

• Collaborate with Other Activist Organizations

• Build / Support Community Leadership & Power

• Labor Unions, Faith Based Groups, Think Tanks, Co-ops … 

5. __Mass Protests: How can we help to mobilize large groups of people?

• Protests, Rallies, Marches

• Boycotts

• Strikes

Where have you been focusing your activist energy?

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How might you use or develop your strengths in the 5 Channels of Social Change (above)? 

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What stands out for you after doing this exercise?

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