Earlier this summer, I attended a Jobs with Justice (JWJ) Leadership & Organizing Training. I spent three days learning alongside people who had come from far and wide to deepen their skills in service to the movement for economic justice. There were teachers, social workers, plumbers, fundraisers, and more. Some had been organizing for decades, and others, like myself, were getting our first formal exposures to the tactics and strategies needed to build power to fight for justice.
Over the course of three days, we heard stories of how, through organizing, JWJ had won campaigns that supported the rights for working people. Whenever I hear about these wins and the progress that can be made to better the lives of people and communities, I am reminded of the true potential and power of what happens when people directly impacted by an issue come together to demand change. I left the weekend with more tools in my toolbox, deepened relationships, and a renewed commitment to building a multiracial movement for health equity through grassroots power in Colorado. I learned a lot from JWJ’s successes and strategies, and I am excited to apply both the inspirational stories and tangible tactics to support our own community organizing at Center for Health Progress.
In our work, taking leadership from people who have experienced unjust health outcomes is central. Real, authentic change isn’t possible without it. We also know that it’s important to learn from the incredible and inspirational work of other social justice movements in order to make our vision for health equity in Colorado a reality. Our annual luncheon, HEALTHtalks, is an opportunity to do just that. We are so excited to have DeRay Mckesson, our keynote speaker, share his expertise in movement building with us!
DeRay is a civil rights activist focused primarily on equity and justice. He has advocated for issues related to children, youth, and families since he was a teen. As a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement, and co-founder of JoinCampaignZero.org, MappingPoliceViolence.org, and OurStates.org, DeRay has worked to connect people and policymakers with the information and tools they need to change policies and increase equity. He is also the host of critically-acclaimed Pod Save the People, a weekly podcast that explores news, culture, social justice, and politics.
Mark your calendar:
Date: September 18, 2018
Time: 11am - 1pm
Location: The Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
You can join us by registering today! If you are unable to make it but still want to support our work, please consider making a donation to Center for Health Progress.
Building people power for social justice causes is work that is measured in years or decades, and we’re in this for the long haul. I hope you’ll join the movement and work alongside us toward health equity!