About the Episode:
Engaging in advocacy, or organizing, is sometimes tough work as big wins are often accompanied by many losses along the way. Because of this, organizing requires us to bring our whole self to work and to really pay attention to how we’re showing up in order to inspire people to act and create positive change. We must also take care of ourselves in the process so that we don’t burn out as organizing work can be overwhelming. As Monica suggests, one of the ways that we can invest in self-care is to find joy in poetry. Poetry helps ground us and inspires us to come together to appreciate the beauty that life offers. It also encourages us to look at issues in new and creative ways so that we can continue to create the kind of change we want to see. Moreover, as Monica states, advocacy work requires us to be bold; it requires us to put our leadership abilities to use and to take a stand on causes we believe in. In the process of change work, we must call all people to come together, unite as one, and build a movement that truly sees people for who they are so that we can inspire open hearts and open minds to change the world.
About the Guest:
OutFront Minnesota Executive Director Monica Meyer has been engaged in organizing, activism and policy advocacy on behalf of issues of equity and justice since 1992. She joined the staff of OutFront Minnesota as Public Policy Director in 2001 and became Executive Director in 2010. Monica received her master’s degree in Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota, and her undergraduate degree from Hamline University. Monica is currently a board member with TakeAction Minnesota and the co-chair of the Equality Federation. She is constantly inspired by courageous people she meets who work tirelessly for LGBTQ equity and racial and gender justice.
