This blog is a collaboration between Communities Rise, RVC Seattle, and Alphabet Alliance of Color.
A lil event recap
On June 9th, Communities Rise hosted a Growing In Solidarity Panel followed by a Happy Hour in partnership with Delta Vision Project and El Centro de la Raza. A diverse audience gathered to participate in an in-depth discussion on the importance of mutual aid during this pivotal moment in our lives and to gain a deeper understanding of the different strategies we can use to build collective capacity through mutual aid. We leaned on the wisdom of community organizers Rose Harriot-Sitthivong, Tajinique Ruffin, Jonata Lutumba Mbengukanga, Palmira Figueroa as well as our moderator Valeriana Chikoti-Bandua. This event reminded all of us that:
- We must listen and honor the knowledge and authority of young people. They know more than we credit them for. And when we hand them the reins, they can do amazing things.
- Meeting each others’ needs is a type of capacity building. This is always true, but especially in this moment when so many of our basic needs are being threatened or actively restricted.
- We deserve leadership that does not model our oppressors. We must be creative in how we lead, how we structure our organizations and movements, and how we dream collectively of a better future. We are greater than the sum of our parts.
In addition to the rich wisdom shared at this event, we wanted to share some lessons that arose through the collaborative nature of crafting and hosting this event.
Give the experts the mic
There is something incredibly powerful about providing the people doing the work space to just speak. We forget this truth often these days, where information is readily available and opinions outnumber the fish in the sea. Being in a room where Rose, Tajinique, Jonata, and Palmira could take up space fully and unapologetically? That was pure magic. In this moment, we need to lean on the knowledge and wisdom of those who are doing the work, on the ground, to defend our communities from the rising tide of facism. Crafting space intentionally means that people got to speak without hesitation on the realities of this world and direct us on how those of us not in their spaces can start to move towards stronger, more liberated practices and communities.
We need to be together
People keep saying this: on podcasts, in blogs, etc. But are we really living it? Because it can be so hard to bring folks together and so easy to overthink what it means to be in space together. Yet, throughout the event, we had so many folks come to us saying how this event allowed them to replenish their souls. We’re so isolated these days. Desperate for deep, intentional conversions. Seeking guidance on how to survive this moment when so many of us are dying or being abducted or suffering.
Yet, the answer to their yawning loneliness and despair has always been in front of us: each other. During the event, you could feel the energy in the room. It felt like the weight we all carry at this moment was able to be held collectively. Many hands grasping at rough edges, pushing the weight back up when one of us struggled to carry it.
Building community takes time and resources
Still, we can only craft these spaces for collective care if the resources and dedication are there. Panelists were paid with intention to honor their wisdom and time. We made sure food was available for folks so no one had to worry about hunger or thirst. Steps were taken to ensure the space was safe for all attendees, including those who face heightened violence by ICE and other entities.
And those many hands? Those people have the opportunity to continue to carry this work. When we leave the work to one individual or one organization, we lose the joy of collaboration that makes these spaces so powerful. Because each of us has the ability to bring people together from across the sector, communities, and everything else that separates us.
We each play a role in creating Beloved community. We are all tasked with creating space in our lives to witness one another, listen deeply, and carry one another’s burdens.
Gratitude
Thank you to Rose Harriot-Sitthivong, Tajinique Ruffin, Jonata Lutumba Mbengukanga, Palmira Figueroa for being panelists and Valeriana Chikoti-Bandua for acting as our moderator. We thank each of you for sharing your expertise and your deep love for the community with everyone in space.
Thank you to all the staff of Communities Rise who put in the hours and work to bring this event together!
We thank everyone who took time to attend. We recognize that bringing people together in community to share food, laughter and perspective is as crucial now as it has ever been. May we continue to grow in solidarity and freedom.
Thank you to our other Delta Vision Project partners for sponsoring this event: Byrd Barr Place, Latino Community Fund Of Washington State, and the Center for Ethical Leadership.
