“You don’t go into coalition because you just like it. The only reason you would consider trying to team up with somebody who could possibly kill you, is because that’s the only way you can figure you can stay alive.” - Berniece Johnson Reagon
Coalition-building is crucial to social change but, as Bernice Johnson Reagon reminds us, it's not always easy or comfortable. Along with Detroit City Council Member for District 6, Gabriela Santiago-Romero, this workshop invites participants to reframe internal disagreements about strategy and values as paths toward stronger relationships and more effective organizing. Participants will explore approaches to navigating difficult conversations with both internal and external stakeholders, from the standpoint that conflict itself is neutral and unavoidable – but the ways we encounter it can make or break our movements. What would it look like to hold each other accountable without resorting to discourses of blame and shame? How can we resist divisive narratives, and instead create our coalitions using frameworks of mutuality and growth? This topic was selected by popular demand during our pre-conference workshop.
Directions to Session:
The session will be held in one of the University of Michigan's Multicultural Lounges, Abeng Multicultural Lounge in East Quadrangle. The address for East Quad is 701 East University Ave in Ann Arbor. To get to the room, enter East Quadrangle (EQ) from its main entrance at 701 East University Avenue, using either the steps or ramp. The Abeng Multicultural Lounge is located on the first floor next to the East Quad community center desk.
