Cultivating Union: Insights for Arrangement Strategy
Ricardo Levins Morales, a renowned artist and organizer from Minneapolis, has spent over five decades supporting social justice movements and community organizing. His art integrates themes of healing and resistance against oppression, making him a committed artist-activist [1][2][3][4].
Morales shares his wisdom and lessons through eight insightful teachings, available in digital form for free and as a printed 24pp full-color zine/pamphlet that can be purchased [5]. Here's a summary of his approach:
- Building Strong Community Bonds: Morales emphasizes the importance of strong roots in the community where power originates, regardless of whether the work is done within or outside the system.
- Using Art and Culture as Organizing Tools: Morales uses his art as a form of political medicine, supporting individual and collective healing from oppression.
- Organizing With Kindling: Much of the best organizing starts small, like starting a fire in a forest after a rainstorm. This lesson underscores the power of starting small and building momentum.
- The Enemy Advertises Their Weak Points: The enemy's vulnerabilities can be identified by listening to and watching them, as they often reveal their weak points through their frantic efforts to maintain lies.
- The Soil is More Important Than the Seeds: The environment in which we work, consisting of beliefs, ideas, values, and narratives, is more important than the projects, initiatives, campaigns, organizations, or institutions we want to build.
- Challenging Fear Through Collective Courage: Morales' philosophy is that “When we lose our fear, they lose their power,” underscoring bravery in activism.
- Understanding Power Dynamics and Capitalism in Oppression: It is important to understand the dynamics of one's opponents to develop effective strategies.
- Honoring Diverse Identities and Intersectionality: Morales' movements are rooted in the organic aspirations of people and honor diverse identities and intersectionality.
These movements, often emerging from the margins outside of established systems, have been potent forces for change, as seen in movements such as Occupy, Black Lives Matter, Standing Rock, and the DREAMers [6]. The effectiveness of tactics in organizing is not the primary focus, but rather the questions that are asked.
Ricardo Levins Morales has a long history of activism, including support for the Black Panthers and Young Lords, as well as solidarity with various struggles for empowerment [7]. His second lesson, "Moon Spaces, Sun Spaces and Community Power," further emphasizes the importance of having strong roots in the community where power originates [5].
In sum, Ricardo Levins Morales' lessons in organizing blend creativity, courage, and community empowerment, providing valuable insights for those seeking to make a difference [1][2][3][4][5].
References: [1] Levins Morales, R. (n.d.). About Ricardo. Retrieved from https://rlmartsstudio.com/about/ [2] Levins Morales, R. (n.d.). Artworks. Retrieved from https://rlmartsstudio.com/artworks/ [3] Levins Morales, R. (n.d.). Activism. Retrieved from https://rlmartsstudio.com/activism/ [4] Levins Morales, R. (n.d.). Writings. Retrieved from https://rlmartsstudio.com/writings/ [5] Levins Morales, R. (2017). Eight Lessons in Organizing. Retrieved from https://rlmartsstudio.com/eight-lessons-in-organizing/ [6] Levins Morales, R. (n.d.). Movements. Retrieved from https://rlmartsstudio.com/movements/ [7] Levins Morales, R. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://rlmartsstudio.com/history/
- Ricardo Levins Morales' activism extends beyond art, as he shares resources and teachings on community organizing, such as his eight lessons on building strong community bonds, using art as an organizing tool, and honoring diverse identities and intersectionality.
- Following the example set by Ricardo Levins Morales, one might incorporate elements of organizing within their home-and-garden lifestyle, such as cultivating a garden as a symbol of community growth and empowerment.
- With resources available both digitally and as a printed zine, Ricardo Levins Morales' lessons in organizing can inspire lifestyle changes that promote activism and kindness, much like how gardening efforts can foster positivity and resilience at home.
