WASHINGTON, D.C.–A new report urges changes in the fields of organizing and philanthropy to stop the rise of authoritarianism and tackle intertwined crises from catastrophic climate change to runaway economic inequality. The Antidote to Authoritarianism: How An Organizing Revival Can Build a Multiracial Pluralistic Democracy and an Inclusive Economy, published by People’s Action Institute with support from Democracy Fund, explores challenges facing these sectors and suggests a number of strategies to address them. Several leading national networks and organizations endorsed the paper, listed below.
“Organizers and philanthropy have a big task before us: to strengthen and defend democracy at a time when some feel that democracy fails them and others want to throw it out to advance an authoritarian agenda,” People’s Action Executive Director Sulma Arias said. “Community organizing is the solution, and for it to work, it must be fundamental to what we do, not just a tactic or short-term strategy. This white paper outlines the shifts and investments we need to make it work.”
Drawing on in-depth conversations with 27 leaders of national social change networks, academics, philanthropists, and organizers, report authors Beth Jacob and James Mumm assert that:
- A revival and expansion of community organizing is essential to reinvigorating democracy across lines of difference; this is the foundation of a multiracial pluralistic democracy.
- Philanthropies that want to address the root causes of racial inequity need to partner with community organizing on a long-term agenda that builds enough relationships and power to make progress on structural racism.
- Passing $3 trillion in federal infrastructure investments does not automatically translate into support for the common good and majoritarian democracy; community organizing and philanthropy can reduce economic uncertainty that is fueling authoritarianism and help people win and make meaning of public investments as building blocks of an inclusive economy.
“This strong, clear vision couldn’t have come at a better time. In this moment of national uncertainty and discontent, this report is a clarion call for funders to get up out of our comfort zone and change things up, roll up our sleeves and work together so we can get America moving toward becoming a just, fair, inclusive, and more perfect democracy.” – Shuya Ohno, Democracy Fund.
“Understanding the complexities of our present moment, I have trusted the work of this varied group to define and represent a way forward for our nation, particularly when the specter of hopelessness is a constant shadow over the heads of marginalized people in marginalized communities. This way forward, provocatively outlined in this white paper provided, coupled with the diversity of this working group makes me as a leader dare to believe that action can indeed be taken to combat the daunting backward trend toward authoritarianism and the violence used to secure the continued subjugation of people perceived to be powerless to stop it.” – Rev. Dr. B. DeNeice Welch, leader with Gamaliel, pastor of Bidwell Church in Pittsburgh, Penn., and consultant to Gamaliel’s Ntosake Women’s Leadership Development Program.
“In order to avert the rise of authoritarianism, and address the combined crises of climate disaster, growing inequality, unprecedented levels of loneliness and political fragmentation, we must double down on efforts to build community and transform who holds power in our democracy. There are no shortcuts here. This moment requires community organizers, donors, and leaders to reinvigorate community organizing, and re-commit to a long-term strategy to bring into existence the multi-racial democracy we want.” – Ana Maria Archila, Action Lab
The report has been endorsed by a number of leading national networks and organizations, including:
- 22nd Century Initiative,
- The Action Lab,
- The Center for Popular Democracy,
- Community Change,
- Faith In Action,
- Gamaliel,
- Midwest Academy,
- National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy,
- National Domestic Workers Alliance,
- Native Organizers Alliance,
- Power Switch Action,
- Social & Economic Justice Leaders Project, and
- Working Families Party.
Though the challenges they raise in the report are serious and daunting, the authors end on a note of hope: “The good news is that the antidotes to authoritarianism are in every community and available to be activated right now.”
Read the full report at https://ppls.ac/antidote.
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