We’re doing it! We’re transitioning!

Over the last couple of years, Peaceful Uprising has had many conversations about shifting into more participatory and democratic organizing models, pushing to decolonize our own minds and organization from systemic and institutionalized acculturation as we fight for climate justice and a shift in paradigm. We have talked about our relationship to money and hierarchy, as well as how the way we carry out actions speaks to different communities; or not. We have looked at our own internalized sexism, racism, classism, ableism, ageism homophobia and more, knowing that it’s a life-long process of decolonization.

From those inquiries, we have made some substantial shifts: in the structure of our organizing body, in the space that we call home, and in how we allot funds for climate justice work in our community.

This fall, we have stopped paying full-time staff members. Instead, as we move toward collective models, we’re compensating volunteers based on community-approved projects, and on folks’ financial needs.

Our director has stepped down from her role, as we continue to cultivate an entire body of organizers that is responsible for and accountable to our organization’s decisions. We’re moving into a community center, alongside friends who are fighting for the rights of undocumented migrants, while other are creating a Day Labor Center and other community survival programs.

We understand that these transitions are complex, as they run very much counter to current NGO structures, but we’re embracing the challenge and excited to explore new models of resilient resistance.

*Our website will reflect all of these changes soon!