This post was created and written in collaboration with The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins and Willow Rising. Learn more about their work below.
Right now, going through our daily routines feels almost callous against the backdrop of the atrocities happening in Palestine, Sudan, the Congo, Tigray and beyond.
Many of us are overwhelmed, and in search of ways to channel our grief and rage into sustainable action. We are wondering both internally and aloud, “What can we DO?”
It is my sincere hope that the resources in this post serve as a guide to move you toward sustainable action alongside others who share similar values.
Introduction Into World Building
I recently met up with some friends to take our first step toward turning our shared beliefs and values into the small, everyday, acts of care that combine to shape the world we want to live in.
We used a zine (a small, self-published, DIY booklet historically used as a tool by marginalized communities to disseminate radical information), co-created by the BlackQueerAutistic brilliance of The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins, and Willow, to guide us.
The zine is called “People are Waking Up,” and it is “a call to action to encourage each of us to think about the resources we can share…beyond money.” It is equal parts informative and generative, guiding the reader through an activity known as a “Resource Inventory” to explore what skills we currently have, and are willing to share, in order to move us closer to our goal of collective liberation.
In the words that follow, we detail how we met up (and continue to meet up) to build the world we want. This resource is not meant to be rigid nor exhaustive. Instead, we invite you to use it as inspiration as you build your own collective of folks who meet up to work toward liberation.
Step 1: Select Your Core People
The idea to initiate this group was a response to this @badschoolbadschool’s Instagram post which outlined some key ways to maintain sustainable action beyond marches. Their post encourages starting your own independent study group of like-minded people—differentiating between having a group of friends to kick it with vs. creating an intentional group around studying revolutionary material. One of the key points they make in their post is starting with a committed few to start the group and then allowing the momentum to build over time.
Who are some like-minded folks you can think of that might also have the capacity to join and build your group? List all the people you can think of and then reach out to them.
Outline your general hopes and expectations for the group and see who has the capacity to commit to what you are envisioning. As @badschoolbadschool states, even a group of 2-3 to start is a worthwhile beginning!
Our group met as people who already knew each other and therefore we’d already established a certain level of familiarity and trust. Take this into consideration as you are forming your group. What do you need to have in place to feel comfortable hosting a group like this?
Step 2: Set Your Shared Intentions
Here were ours:
This space is for equipping each of us with inspiration, knowledge, and ultimately to build our confidence in embodying the community ideals we hold dear. My hope is that we can leave this group equipped with tangible resources and knowledge for how we can engage in effective community care here and now, and in the future. The last thing I want is for us to only have inspiring conversations with no follow through.
Step 3: Decide on How You’ll Meet; in-person, over video,
or a mix of both?
Your like-minded people might be near, or they may be far. What set up do you need to make your meeting sustainable over time? Remember, the goal is not to host a one-time liberatory feel good party, but to create a consistent space to study and practice your praxis with folks you know.
Will you use zoom, google meet, FaceTime, discord to connect with folks long-distance? Or will you hold in-person get-togethers? Is it possible to create a hybrid model?
Step 4: Outline Your
COVID Protocols
A note for in-person meetings: outline your COVID policy and safety practices.
Especially since mainstream media suppresses important information about the realities of COVID, it’s up to us to hold the standard we want to see practiced.
If you’re considering starting a group that meets in person—what safety measures do you have in place to mitigate the spread of COVID (or any sort of cold/flu)?
Remind the folks you’ve invited that If they’ve been to any large gatherings without a mask or feel that they could have been exposed to COVID, encourage them to please stay home and opt to join via zoom.
If you have tests, have the possibility of having caught COVID, and can take one before coming, please do. Please remember you can be asymptomatic and still be a transmission risk.
Step 5: Make a (Loose) Agenda
This helps give your time together some structure. When everyone arrives or you start your online gathering, consider the following to set the tone:
Statement of intention for our time and space together.
Introductions - names, background, pronouns, access needs, etc.
Debrief/acknowledgement of how we are feeling in then moment + our current capacity.
Read the zine aloud as a group. Take turns reading a page at a time or inviting those who want to read the opportunity to do so. There was something meaningful about vocalizing the words that felt important in our group.
Do the activity! Make it fun and remember this is a first draft! You can always edit or update it later. In fact, we encourage you to share your messy first drafts as a group, and see what new ideas generate! In our group, one person came up with a ranking system to break down what they felt more passionate about or excited to do versus the things they would be willing to do (even if not entirely enthused).
Consider what else you and your group might add to this list. What feels right? What may need to be removed/modified to fit your group?
Step 6: Discuss Access Needs
It is important to note that access is critical in this process. We are building communities of care, not recreating exclusive social networks. So, we discussed COVID safety (see above), location, transportation, boundaries, dietary restrictions, etc. As previously mentioned, the meetings can be held entirely via Zoom, or a hybrid model, to increase access/promote COVID safety.
COVID policy
In-person, Zoom, or Hybrid
Learning styles
Sensory needs
Mobility needs/seating
Substance-free vs. Not Substance-free (NSF)
What other access needs may need to be considered here? Talk amongst the folks in your group to make sure everyone's needs are being accounted for.
Step 7: Set Your Meeting
Dates and Times
We chose to meet 5 times total between mid-December to mid-February. Remembering that sustainable momentum and consistency is key, consider what is realistic for everyone involved and set out with an intention to show up for your initial meetings. Even still, structure things in such a way that if people need to miss a meeting they have a way of catching up if needed.
How to Print, Cut and Fold the Zine
Willow shared in this IG post, "'People Are Waking Up!' Is a zine that includes anticapitalist insight and wisdom to get you to start seeing your value and resource outside of the $$ system alone. I co-created this with The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins whose words grace these pages.
This zine is a call to action to encourage each of us to think about the resources we share--and get serious about doing it!
I recommend reading the text out loud, seeing what words land with you, and then doing the activity on the backside. You can do this activity on your own or turn it into a (COVID cautious) party + read it alongside fellow like-minded folks."
The print-ready PDF of this zine is available at zero-cost here.
Support/Appreciation
Thank you to The Lady Ms Vagina Jenkins and Willow for their collective BlackQueerAutistic brilliance, time, effort, and willingness to collaborate with me on this post. I truly believe that we have all we need to get free, and this feels like a wonderful jump-off point to move from grief and rage to sustainable action.
If you’d like to express financial appreciate and support to the makers of the zine, consider becoming a Patron of The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins or making a one-time contribution at their Buy Me A Coffee page.
For questions, feel free to contact me at trey@juleptown.com.
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