The New Now: Working Together for Social Change

September 2015 For over a decade, The Building Movement Project (BMP) has been working at the national level to support and advance the potential for nonprofit organizations to be sites for progressive social change. We develop research, tools, and training materials that help nonprofit organizations support the voice and power of the people they serve.

About the Authors

Frances Kunreuther is the founder and co-director of the Building Movement Project. She is co-author of From the Ground Up: Grassroots Organizations Making Social Change (Cornell, 2006) and Working Across Generations: Defining the Future of Nonprofit Leadership (Jossey Bass, 2008).

Sean Thomas-Breitfeld is co-director of the Building Movement Project, where he has authored reports on community organizing alliances and efforts by service agencies to embrace social change practices. He previously worked at the Center for Community change and the National Council of La Raza.

Acknowledgements The authors first want to thank the many organizers, advocates and volunteer activists in New Mexico and Ohio who gave their time to make insightful ob- servations about the way their state was addressing the intersection of LGBT and other social justice issues. Thanks to the New Mexico interviewees: Adriann Barboa, Tannia Esparza Adrien Lawyer, Rachel Lazar, Havens Levitt, Andrea Quijada, Christopher Ramirez, Amber Royster, Joan Lamunyon Sanford, Alma Rosa Silva-Banuelos, and Cande Vazquez. Also, thanks go to the Ohio interviewees: Karen Andermills, Suzanne Burke, Tiara Chambers, Shawn Copeland, Josh Culbertson, Eris Dyson, Detra Evans, Debbie Flood, Bryce Garrett, Jack Gordon, Phyllis Harris, Rev. Cheri Holdridge, Elyzabeth Holford, Rev. Lesley Jones, Eric Kinnell, Tami Lunan, Pam Reed, Mary Ann Robinson, Karla Rothan, Paul Schwitzgebel, Mark Szabo, and Nicole Thomas.

The authors thank Desiree Flores, U.S. Social Justice Program Director at Arcus Foundation, and Rebecca Fox, Program Officer at Wellspring Advisors, for their support and guidance of this project from beginning to end. Thanks also go to the other staff members of the Arcus Foundation – Roz Lee, Jason McGill, Cindy Rizzo and Daniel Werner – who provided invaluable feedback on an early draft. Lastly, thanks to Caroline McAndrews, who helped with the report’s editing and production, and Emily Herrick, who designed this report. The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 1 - -

http://politicalscience.tamu. stemmed from a legal discrimination discrimination a legal from stemmed 1 Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Feminist Doctrine, Antidiscrimination Critique of Black Feminist A Sex: [1989] Politics Antiracist and Theory, edu/documents/faculty/Crenshaw-Demarginalizing.pdf 1 See Kimberlé Crenshaw, Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Race and of the Intersection Demarginalizing Crenshaw, 1 See Kimberlé from gaining rights one issue at a time. Her key Her key a time. at gaining rights one issue from example denied standing who were case of black women where complaint discrimination in an employment jobs where out of both being locked reported they and males-only factory) (in the black men worked (in the whites-only worked women white where that to acknowledge refused court The office). and sex race combined encounter black women discrim prove they that and insisted discrimination Rather or gender. on the basis of either race ination a single either/or through an issue than looking at to widen our view us to asks lens, intersectionality reflect the multiple lenses that through see issues experience. lived people’s and of single-issue strategies contrasting These by the typified organizing—one, intersectional the marriage campaign, won that sharp focus razor the ways based on acknowledging and the other, together—reflect work types of injustice different doing their work. are activists LGBT ways two Many of today’s LGBT social justice activists take take activists social justice LGBT today’s of Many of legal scholar Kimberlé the work their cues from she called “inter what who addressed Crenshaw wrote 1980s. Crenshaw sectionality” in the late people living at how understand about the need to cannot fully benefit on multiple levels the margins - - - including Dreamers, ending stop and frisk policies, ending stop including Dreamers, leaders have LGBT where and #blacklivesmatter, even of those struggles the forefront been visibly at in LGBT not centered are demands when the policy identity. reform, reproductive justice, and addressing climate climate and addressing justice, reproductive reform, rela is based on organizing, frame Their change. of tionship building, and leadership development the local, national silos at issue people across LGBT work often activists These global levels. and even of efforts, part of—a range already with—or are that has been developing alongside the Freedom alongside the Freedom has been developing that the around activists Marry campaign. Grassroots to of marriage a discussion from moving are country of equity issues talk about broader equality to rights as part of other see LGBT They and justice. police policies, fair immigration fights, such as applying that winning formula to the next policy policy the next to winning formula applying that the rights of for demand in the ongoing struggle people. LGBT activism, though, of LGBT is another thread There equality movement—was making preparations to to making preparations equality movement—was organiza a new All Americans, for launch Freedom dis against protections for legal will fight tion that and gender orientation based on sexual crimination leadership, use the strategy, It plans to identity. Marry developed, to Freedom and support that norms, policies, and laws—is still a part of the fabric of our everyday lives. lives. everyday our of the fabric a part of still laws—is norms, policies, and writing their opinion, was Court As the Supreme campaign Marry—the to the leadership of Freedom of the marriage architect as a key widely credited The astounding success of the marriage equality campaign has left LGBT groups reeling—both from giddiness from reeling—both groups LGBT equality campaign has left the marriage of success The astounding sex couples same of the right affirmed has movingly States the United Court of The Supreme and trepidation. in cultural face—embedded people LGBT the discrimination that know leaders movement But LGBT to marry. Introduction - - - Rather than narrowing advocates’ advocates’ than narrowing Rather Building on shared values, groups can groups values, Building on shared Augmentation: allows approach the intersectional perspectives, their expand to and organizations advocates tion protections using an intersectional lens. As a lens. using an intersectional tion protections that issues on LGBT a focus had both groups result, dominant marriage equality—the beyond extended of full diversity the embrace the time—to at issue people. LGBT guide decision-making. Alignment: transactional beyond and move align their work is considering process of that Part relationships. of actions, effectiveness the short- and long-term a win that consequences including unintended way, In this on another. have may on one issue that place work can take thoughtful and effective and groups between connections strengthens vision and a set Aligning with a common issues. than any in doing more results of values/practices on its own. achieve could single organization color and addressing a more diverse set of issues, of issues, set diverse a more and addressing color thinking and forward is approach the intersectional demo is heading the country where anticipates graphically. in Ohio and being done of work In our examination activism LGBT looks at this report Mexico, New decision and asks: what Court the Supreme before with an issues LGBT in organizing is the difference of leadership does sort lens, what intersectional The expect. can we outcomes and what it take, LGBT in 2014, how shows example Mexico New relationships long-standing leveraged organizers rights and reproduc immigrant with LGBT, work to each support and reinforce to groups justice tive Ohio Equality same time, that other’s At activities. on a contested focusing from move decided to on anti-discrimina working marriage campaign to - - - - - align for working working for effectiveness. effectiveness. values base values augment Applying an intersectional approach approach Applying an intersectional and 3) building strong ties between people ties between and 3) building strong , foundation for long-term and deep alliances that that and deep alliances long-term for foundation encies and issues creates a whole community that that a whole community creates encies and issues the is bigger than the sum of its parts. Through of people at the experiences to of listening process of oppression, of multiple systems the intersection that together working for values develop advocates and unity the a sense of mutual commitment foster and groups in ways that that in ways and groups Base: Values multiple issues of how begins with understanding constitu between connection This interrelated. are Framing Principles of an Intersectional Approach an Intersectional of Principles Framing detail described in more basic practices, Three intersectional build a successful help to below, a 1) embracing approach: through the work 2) strengthening together, ment of pitting those with the least power against one against power of pitting those with the least the base and leader broadening by Third, another. of bring in communities to ship of the movement stresses the importance of listening to their experi to of listening the importance stresses and tactics the strategies inform to in order ences an centering Second, movement. of the broader of people who are experience in the lived analysis of marginalization of multiple systems the target consequences” the “unintended avoid helps to work to build a strong web of organizations and organizations of web build a strong to work type of activism This together. working activists an intersec First, reasons. several is important for of people who are the lives reflects tional approach campaigns and in single-issue made invisible often In fact, like many new ways to make change, it is change, make to ways new many like In fact, issues. of those funding LGBT radar on the barely approach the intersectional highlights report This LGBT where states in two examples case through lens in their been using a multi-issue have activists Though much has been written about the lessons about the lessons been written much has Though attention less equality campaign, of the marriage intersectionality of the emergence paid to has been community. the LGBT in strategy as an organizing

The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 2 The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 3 - - - - -

infrastructure to support support to infrastructure . The people we interviewed were working working were interviewed people we . The alliances. The selection of New Mexico was based was Mexico selection of New The alliances. of queer women that on the impact of the work the and shows a decade, over had done for color reproduc LGBT, between commitments resulting Ohio was rights groups. and immigrant justice tive investments recent more both because of selected and on anti-discrimination focused that in the state adopt an intersection to starting because it was (BMP) Project Building Movement The al frame. with of 31 interviews a total conducted co-directors Mexico in New by local groups: identified activists Ohio. Equality and in Ohio by Families Strong by The third theme that emerged about intersectional about intersectional emerged that theme third The the need for was alliances change the orga but level, and state the local at together to connected were in often worked they nizations focused on a more focused organizations national formed groups and statewide Local set of issues. while maintain all the alliances, horizontal strong partners. national with ing important relationships of hori together this weaving well, working When mutually was structures support and vertical zontal the understood groups national The reinforcing. groups’ of the local and statewide importance with partners across work and their need to work siloes. issue to designed are case examples following The of building points in the process contrasting show - - - - move , as does the process of , as does the process based on their shared based on their shared relationships matter relationships munity in Ohio, activists were practicing working working practicing were activists munity in Ohio, gender, class, of race, the intersections through These perspective. and gender identity as a core in campaign mode focus helped groups practices goals, and long-term wins and both on short-term together. work their ability to reinforce to Second, we noticed that groups developed developed groups that noticed we Second, ment-building practices through airing and working Mexico, In New values. and an important value was disagreements com LGBT a diverse unite to In order practice. is especially important that there is strong support is strong there is especially important that different across experience with lived people for multiple with activists that found We areas. issues not were movements different identities crossing crucial in also were only important leaders, they forward. move to of how the analysis forming on certain fundamentals. First is recognizing is recognizing fundamentals. First on certain that relation Developing building these relationships. be a must there time and means that ships takes and decision-making. It power share to willingness without sacrificing one group for another. It means for another. one group without sacrificing can groups perfect, is not when a policy even that result. the best for together work and aug alignment, values, in developing Success wins depends substantial leads to that mentation analyses and strategies. Using multiple levels of multiple levels Using and strategies. analyses lives. of people’s realities the reflects better analysis to ways creates and alignment values Developing and separately— together on the work—both move - - - -

5 that may be one reason that New New that be one reason may that 2 http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality_maps/profile_state/33 See the New Mexico State Profile by the Movement Advancement Advancement the Movement by Profile Mexico State See the New which Together, Forward of is a project Mexico New Families Strong and can leverage the national resources when needed. Forward when needed. Forward resources the national and can leverage United, and Women Young at was when she Adriann knew Together team. leadership Families been on the Strong has YWU Project Project Strong work. national their to inform work in state-based invests efforts, based organizing leads and supports state NM both Families position strategic capacity, such as increased bringing in resources and change, to policy analysis efforts mobilization ing to facilitation, 4 5 ture. Given this mixed record, it is no surprise that it is no surprise that record, mixed this Given ture. as “medium” on the Movement ranks Mexico New Tally. Policy LGBT Project’s Advancement people in of a dozen short just interviewed We organiza different all representing Mexico, New respondents to questions The tions and projects. movement/ of their own the history did not cover goals, how on their current but focused work issue and their relationship groups with other work they generated was list interview The issues. LGBT to Mexico’s New Families with Strong in conjunction Barboa, with a concen Adriann Field Director, reproductive issues, LGBT areas: in three tration rights. and immigrant justice, in the country to cover transgender people. They They people. transgender cover to in the country the courts through gained marriage recognition in the legisla and losing battle a frustrating after - - - - - www.aecf.org/2014db www. -

3 http://quickfacts.cenwsus.gov/qfd/states/35000.html http://quickfacts. U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. QuickFacts. and County State U.S. Census Bureau: Book. 2014 KIDS COUNT Data Foundation, E. Casey Annie The U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. QuickFacts. and County State U.S. Census Bureau: Book. 2014 KIDS COUNT Data Foundation, Annie E. Casey The aecf.org/2014db cenwsus.gov/qfd/states/35000.html 2 3 2 3 ination laws covering housing and employment, employment, housing and covering laws ination among the first were laws their state especially that minimum wage, but have successfully held the line successfully but have minimum wage, drivers to take efforts on blocking the Governor’s residents. undocumented from away licenses anti-discrim their LGBT of proud are Mexicans New legislature in the past has served as a counter has served the past in legislature towards moves some of the Governor’s to weight with a Republi but and cutting taxes, privatization the even House of Representatives, can dominated conserva more become has Senate Democratic the increase to failed have they example, For tive. Electoral politics in New Mexico confirms its repu its confirms Mexico politics in New Electoral and locally. both nationally as a purple state tation presiden the democratic for Although it has voted 6 elections, it has a 5 out of the last tial candidate Susana Martinez, governor, Republican conservative The 2014. in November term a second who won Mexico is also one of four “majority minority” states in the US; 47% of its population identifies as Latino, 39% as Latino, identifies its population in the US; 47% of “majority minority” states four of Mexico is also one Asian/Pacific and less than 2% African-American, 3% American, almost 10% Native white (non-Hispanic), line; the poverty below Mexicans live New (20%) of percent Twenty Islander. well-being. place in child last vies for Mexico New Mexico is geographically large, but is one of the least dense states in the country with just over 2 million 2 million over with just in the country dense states the least but is one of large, Mexico is geographically New took place. New interviews our where Albuquerque in lives the population of a quarter A little over residents. New Mexico New

The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 4 The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 5 - - -

analysis and with confidence with confidence and analysis We came out with a fierce with a fierce out came We http://buildingmovement.org/reports/entry/the_respect_ For more information on this campaign and the critical leadership on this campaign and the critical leadership information more For of women of color, see BMP’s report on The Respect ABQ Women Women ABQ The Respect on report see BMP’s color, of women of Campaign: abq_women_campaign 6 strong commitment to be involved in areas beyond beyond in areas be involved to commitment strong had they how each explained rights. They LGBT In the recent Respect ABQ Women campaign, Women ABQ Respect In the recent initiative a ballot defeated which successfully NM Families abortion, Strong banning late-term of committee both on the executive were and YWU Families and Strong YWU Choice. for the Coalition to messaging broaden to NM pushed the Coalition “Some of our coali include multiple communities. or strategic tion partners did not think it valuable but many groups, alongside LGBT be working to with Equality worked we of us … challenged that; and the University Matter All Families Mexico, New and we Center Resource LGBTQ Mexico’s of New contribute their base to mobilize could they knew to mobilize was a huge win It efforts. the GOTV to from to get buy-in communities and different participate.” to not usually asked are that groups or had been in YWU to talked we Not everyone an intersectional of developing had a long history contend had thought about and but they analysis, leaders of LGBT three The ed with similar issues. a white—expressed interviewed—all we that groups and courage; and we all became all became we and and courage; don’t fear who leaders strong and being held being accountable accountable.” without com other organizations to connections the head of Lawyer, Adrien their values. promising Center—which Resource Transgender Mexico’s New how about ago—talked years a few just started one of our are “They space, his group offered YWU say.” they do what really partners; they proudest - - - - YWU not only built relationships internally but they but they internally only built relationships not YWU As the organi as well. pursued them externally organizing a highly respected into grew zation about creating intentional were they presence, came out with a fierce analysis and with confidence confidence and with analysis came out with a fierce leaders all became strong and we and courage; and being held being accountable who don’t fear accountable.” interviewee involved in YWU’s early days put it, early days in YWU’s involved interviewee of thinking with a lens, with multiple ways walk “We the was there reported Interviewees and seeing.” talk members and staff that YWU at expectation their through and work about their disagreements explained, “We founders YWU One of the conflicts. a frame that weaved in feminist and critical race race and critical in feminist weaved that a frame their work inform to continues theory and that is not approach intersectional strong YWU’s today. ex the lived from it comes on analysis; based just women queer, of those involved—young, periences and so on. As one Mexican, New parents, of color, is still a powerful force, especially on issues related related especially on issues force, a powerful is still and health. Deep education, justice, reproductive to between formed were connections and powerful The of YWU. in the early years those involved using together, learned members and staff group’s Adriann Barboa came to Strong Families after eight eight after Families Strong Barboa came to Adriann United Women Young at director as executive years in founded group organizing a community (YWU), of color. women young and by is run for 1999 that relationships of long-term the center at was YWU and interviewed we of the leaders several held by large enough that relationship building takes time, time, building takes relationship that enough large but close, was Not everyone and attention. work, particularly was of connections the depth and type outside of those who were for even interesting, inner circle. as a strong might be perceived what Mexico and all were living and working in Albuquer living and working and all were Mexico local, many were some organizations Though que. All including statewide. reach, others had a larger in some together linked were of the organizations put As one person loosely. if it might be even way, is Albuquerque Yet state.” a close knit are it, “We Personal History and Relationships History Personal in orga worked of the people interviewed Several New Families with Strong partner that nizations - - —not skirting around skirting around —not transparency, decision- transparency, Consensus building, making together, time for hard time for making together, conversations up. ” difficult, showing are things that more on the outside. Some of the insiders raised insiders raised Some of the on the outside. more We outside of the inner circle. criticisms of groups Yet tensions. up on some generational also picked a deep commitment remained there it seemed that with one another despite in relationship stay to these differences. among those seemed embedded in the culture and had an impact on the larger together working summed One respondent community. progressive building, transparency, “Consensus it up saying, conversa hard time for decision-making together, difficult, are things that tions—not skirting around really is Dollars can help but food up. showing with an anti-oppression important, good facilitation calling each other out in a and framework, analysis commitment The way.” gentle and compassionate really helped me come out in my own way and and way own my out in helped me come really I had a community I felt because way a healthy the community and understand going to was that with all organizing were We all farmworkers. was He farmworkers.” heterosexual just not farmworkers immigrant his job supporting at safe” he “felt noted civically learn English and become to families learn about their rights in addition “they involved; in Strong also involved He was English.” learning to talk about the he could where place a Families, in a group and participate approach intersectional immi LGBT to support and education offers that their families. and grants without not were groups among the Relationships of the people we example, For their problems. close was that group a core was there interviewed, others leaving both personally and professionally, - - - who shared those values and practices, and there and there and practices, those values who shared to order help others learn in to a willingness was groups that values The the base of power. extend but they articulated, always not were shared to work together on different issues. These efforts These efforts issues. on different together work to or campaign. joining a coalition beyond well went time and over deep alliances creating were They and practices. values a set of shared developing than being exclusive, rather that interesting It was include others to the circle expanding kept groups in order to change the culture and build power, to to and build power, change the culture to in order to be a social justice it means clearly defining what organization. willing were groups how heard we In the interviews, Movement Building Practices Movement building was of relationship the culture Overall, practices. movement certain part of and reinforced of in a variety about these practices talked People in challenging coalitions staying from ranging ways, about labor rights because my dad had just died dad had just about labor rights because my con more always so I was exposure of pesticide side of things. My parents about the race cerned … It rights your up for stand pushed me to really enough—that we have to do this together.” do this together.” to have we enough—that in the emphasized often was experience Lived po up in their current people ended of how story us, “The told one interviewee example, sitions. For really with in high school were involved things I was you can do to help.” Another LGBT leader left New leader left New Another LGBT help.” can do to you It is life. my “changed that a college go to to Mexico and think reflect to you teaches that an institution no that be humble, taught to I was yourself. beyond let go of our egos to one person has all the answer, an all-white board to one that was majority people was one that to board an all-white and about relationships “It’s explains, She of color. and putting stuff, other people’s for being present organi other for matter things that into energy not and you also letting other people tell zations; and what is important what or projecting assuming come to understand the importance of working of working the importance understand to come Havens example, For silos. identity and issue across part of a had been Matter All Families from Levitt changed from intentionally had that lesbian group

The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 6 The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 7 - - [constituents’] voice.” [constituents’] Taking a position based on values —regardless —regardless a position based on values Taking colleagues. by not go unnoticed of the risk—did organizations this did not mean that However, In endorse each other’s work. always could rights, the same LGBT support for their to contrast not publically is member-led—did group—which campaign. This ABQ Women support the Respect but also accepted, noted certainly decision was saying, with one of the leaders of the campaign mentioned Another interviewee understood.” “We rights group he wished this same immigrant that And issues. support LGBT to further move would issues on immigrant who also worked one, a third was there observed organization, in a different among issues LGBT build support for a need to in a small participating He was immigrants. new and on this intersection, of people working group is really coalition low-key really “This explained, these small meetings and events. helping through but to a movement create to is not really idea The a dialogue point; some people start it from start expo grow it to want an action point. We from their and having the grapevine nentially through many different types of family configurations, configurations, family types of different many “endorsement” This couples. including same sex of im in the loss rights had resulted of LGBT the public endorsements from portant funds and rights campaign. their workers’ for Church Catholic this took the organization about why asked When hard it was know, you “well, position, she replied, a are and support], but we lose the money [to organization.” social justice

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I stepped out of our little box to say, ‘vote against this damaging this damaging against ‘vote box to say, little our of out I stepped at even groups] [with allied way a long went that and initiative’ ballot go there and take that risk.” that and take go there the risk of losing our constituents. We said it is a value of equity. We need to We equity. of value said it is a We constituents. our losing the risk of was, “we don’t work on LGBT issues.” But as the issues.” on LGBT don’t work “we was, mentioned their the director progressed, interview coali Matter part of the All Families was group their and couples tion which supports same-sex their had used images at organization The families. showed Families that Strong by provided offices take that risk.” risk.” that take interviewed came out when we Another example about rights group of an immigrant the director asked When community. with the LGBT their work the answer issues, with LGBT about the connection observed, “I stepped out of our little box to say, say, to out of our little box “I stepped observed, and this damaging ballot initiative’ against ‘vote even allied groups] [with way a long went that said it We the risk of losing our constituents. at and go there to need We of equity. is a value partners and allied groups. For example, the head example, For partners and allied groups. talked Amber Royster, Mexico, New of Equality endorse the Respect publicly about the decision to a ban opposing was campaign that ABQ Women loss of the possible abortions, in spite term on late members and donors. She LGBT of support from quo: LGBT people seeking full equality, new im new people seeking full equality, quo: LGBT of color demanding their rights, women migrants The people and so on. justice, reproductive defining taking risks in their used to with were talked we risks take willing to also were but they work, own to their support offer to in order on other issues strong alliances to emerge that could help a variety help a variety could that emerge to alliances strong and campaigns succeed. coalitions of progressive raised often but less evident, was that One practice risks. take to the willingness was in the interviews, the status social change challenge for Movements to these ways of operating together allowed for for allowed together of operating ways these to ------

- —it doesn’t matter —it doesn’t matter Our faith traditions teach us teach traditions Our faith a lot of resources and resources of a lot We are able to leverage able to leverage are We

8 “Promotores de salud”, also known as “promotoras”, is the Spanish is the Spanish as “promotoras”, also known de salud”, “Promotores term for “community health workers”. Promotoras are lay health health lay are Promotoras workers”. health “community term for culturally in Spanish-speaking communities, provide work who workers educator, advocate, as patient serve and often services appropriate and translator. worker outreach mentor, expertise in moving work forward forward work expertise in moving and locally.” nationally 8 whether people are of the same gender or a whether people are people can sure make to want We blended family. and whole.” is healthy that in a way families for care Commu and Men of Color with Boys organizer The Christopher Team, nity Builders and UNM Dream in multiple local coa also involved was Ramirez, He Mexico. New Families litions including Strong inclusive LGBT was Team UNM Dream that noted gath a national to went the beginning, “We from a training was there and Dream We ering of United re He uses national about being Queer inclusive.” groups helping local immigrant in his work sources Promoto including training friendly, LGBT be more de Salud. ras The New Mexico Religious Coalition for Repro for Coalition Religious Mexico New The of affiliate is a state (NM RCRC) Choice ductive Reproductive for Coalition Religious the national such coalitions local several and belongs to Choice Matter, All Families Choice, for as the NM Coalition The Families. and Strong Marriage, for NM Unites Sanford, Joan Lamunyon director, Mexico New a provide volunteers group’s the that explained coming who are women help to of services variety espe health help, reproductive for Mexico New to their support of LGBT cially abortion. Describing think it is so important to Joan said, “I just issues, says that community of the faith voice that have people institution is not the patriarchal … a family it. make to want and care love to have we that

- - In addition, all of our interviewees our interviewees In addition, all of 7 All of the groups we interviewed were primarily based in Albuquerque Albuquerque primarily based in were interviewed we the groups All of the legislative sessions that were held each year. In New Mexico, Mexico, In New year. held each were sessions that the legislative which alternate up during these sessions ramp activities advocacy year. each 60 and 90 days between and all had some involvement in statewide issues, especially during issues, especially during in statewide and all had some involvement 7 of issues especially as they relate to families, such families, to relate especially as they of issues environmental issues, rights, LGBT as immigrant and so on. youth, justice, added that “Strong Families creates a vehicle for for a vehicle creates Families “Strong added that level.” on a national participate to YWU like groups of the national with the perspective Consistent begins with an inter Families Strong network, Based on this not one issue. sectional framework, a variety NM has supported Families Strong frame, Reproductive Choice, and the Media Literacy and the Media Literacy Choice, Reproductive that noted director, current YWU’s Tannia, Center. able are meant, “We Families being part of Strong in and expertise a lot of resources leverage to She and locally.” nationally forward work moving saw the importance, potential, and opportunity potential, the importance, saw knew Together Forward work. Mexico in the New United, Women Young at when she was Adriann member of the Strong is a founding and YWU Women along with Tewa leadership team, Families for Coalition Religious Mexico the New United, national group Forward Together. Bringing in Together. Forward group national support when national and leveraging resources NM supports state-based Families needed, Strong stra capacity, increased offering by organizing analysis. and policy positioning, facilitation, tegic organization the national Adriann, to According with information, support, and national exposure. exposure. support, and national with information, and the national relationships Both local/statewide alliance to important value brought connections work. building and issue-oriented of the is a project Mexico New Families Strong touch with many different partners. Interviewees Interviewees partners. different with many touch other groups—in to their relationships about talked and outside of or in their locality—within the state area. their issue them provided that groups part of national were Structures for Social Change for Structures on focused stay and to in close alliance work To in close were groups meant that issues certain

The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 8 The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 9 - - collaboration]… Funders need to fund a group of us; no one is doing it all.” is doing it us; no one of a group need to fund Funders collaboration]… We are so under-resourced and we get so much done [through [through so much done get we and so under-resourced are We children. People frequently raised issues of sovereignty rights, fights for saving for saving rights, fights sovereignty of issues raised frequently People children. and helping immigrants, undocumented for licenses such as drivers’ programs and thrive. of all types survive families multiple issues to be addressed simultaneously without one issue being priv simultaneously without one issue be addressed to multiple issues is their common together groups keep may of what Part another. ileged over with re talked we everyone Almost the state. facing of the issues analysis overall. Mexicans New facing problem the biggest was poverty sponded that families but facing financial challenges of the increased aware were They and families for resources and the need for children facing also of the issues explained that New Mexican organizations have very little funding, “We are are little funding, “We very have organizations Mexican New that explained the hashtag developed I even get so much done. and we so under-resourced of fund a group … Funders need to it in collaboration do We #nmgetsitdone. it all.” us; no one is doing allowed do their work to groups supported that structures movement The Andrea Quijada at the (now closed) Media Literacy Center talked extensively extensively talked Center closed) Media Literacy the (now at Quijada Andrea role and the important groups national different to about the connections the that she emphasized the same time, At in the state. can play these groups needed changes. She make on each other to rely her community within groups ------

and even and even 11 http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality_maps/profile_state/36 11 See the Ohio State Profile by the Movement Advancement Project Project Advancement the Movement by Profile 11 See the Ohio State barriers, with a special focus on their anti-discrim barriers, with a special focus advocating were they campaign, where ination identity and gender orientation adding sexual in housing, discrimination against laws Ohio’s to Before and public accommodations. employment, also decision, the organization Court the Supreme campaign—Why public education led a grassroots support for build popular Marriage Matters—to marriage equality. Orga Lead EO’s Copeland, Shawn with Working included that list interview an generated we nizer, new and longtime groups, of allied staff EO staff, not affili activists and community EO volunteers, protocol interview The the organization. with ated on the non perspectives on interviewees’ focused fos was the organizing how effort, discrimination and community within the LGBT connections tering as people and other constituencies, LGBT between about intersectionality perspectives as broader well in Ohio. movement and the LGBT Ohio ranks as a “low” equality state, as a “low” Ohio ranks legalizing decision Court’s though the Supreme the overturned nationwide marriage same sex pro lack marriage ban, Ohioans still gay state’s partnered We discrimination. against tections and learn from explore to Ohio (EO) with Equality both these to address efforts the organization’s

- 10 - http:// - http:// ) Similarly, an article an article ) Similarly, http://www.thenation. These alliances alliances These 9 ). Similarly, the Ohio Student As the Ohio Student ). Similarly, largest state in terms of population. Ohio’s 11 million residents are 81% White, 81% are 11 million residents Ohio’s population. in terms of state largest th http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ ) ). An article by AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka titled “The Lessons titled “The Lessons Trumka Richard AFL-CIO President, by An article sociation—also formed in 2011—has been a lead organization in the in the in 2011—has been a lead organization formed sociation—also ( legislation ground” your “stand against fight com/blog/176507/ohio-students-fight-back-against-stand-your- ground-laws# organizing groups, churches and African American organizations, American organizations, African and churches groups, organizing campaign of an 88-county “truly was the campaign writing that ( in unity.” allies pulling together people and their working workingclassstudies.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/ohio-issue-2-a- different-kind-of-campaign/ ( rights voter for in the fight to be a leader S.B. 5 has continued weareohio.com/voter-bill-of-rights/ of Ohio,” asserted that “working people’s solidarity was the message” the message” was solidarity people’s “working asserted that Ohio,” of win the campaign. ( helped that richard-trumka/ohio-labor-law_b_1096986.html Ohio” campaign, Are the “We for consultant a senior John Ryan, by unions, community labor bringing together by won they described how 10 The “We Are Ohio” coalition that was formed in 2011, in response to to in 2011, in response formed was Ohio” coalition that Are The “We 10 9 conservative legislature on both “voter id” and “voter on both legislature conservative a growing to bills, contributing ground” your “stand the around particularly infrastructure, progressive issues, justice and racial of economic intersection groups. LGBT but not fully including the state’s worked with community organizing groups to pass pass to groups organizing with community worked of that S.B. 5 in November repealing a referendum circles in progressive hailed was victory This year. cross-constituency for as a sign of the potential building. and alliance organizing challenge Ohio’s to continued and organizations John Kasich who is now a Republican presidential presidential a Republican who is now John Kasich by in 2011 prominence national gained candidate, leg state with the Republican-controlled working rights of the bargaining collective attack to islature of passage unions through public employee state’s unions the state’s Bill 5 (S.B. 5). In response, Senate Ohio is the quintessential “swing state” in presi state” “swing Ohio is the quintessential us, told proudly interviewee dential elections: one the won has ever the 1950s] [since “No president Governor, Ohio’s winning Ohio.” without presidency The Buckeye State is the 7 State The Buckeye within the Ohioans live half of than More American. less than 1% Native Asian, and 2% 13% Black, 3% Latino, often were they C’s”—as the “three Each of and Cleveland. Columbus Cincinnati, of areas metropolitan three whole (2 million people). a Mexico as New of population equal to the roughly population a metro to—has referred Ohio

The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 10 The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 11

- -

- 13 After three three After 12 http://www.dispatch.com/content/

http://www.gaypeopleschronicle.com/stories12/ and focused on building a diverse team. Tami Tami team. on building a diverse and focused 14 “Equality Ohio names Elyzabeth Holford as new executive director,” by by director,” executive as new Holford “Equality Ohio names Elyzabeth in Ohio,” ends short stay Holford Elyzabeth “Equality Ohio Director staff in EO’s the increase of estimates offered interviewees Various but the organization’s website only listed 10 staff at the time of the the the time of at 10 staff only listed website but the organization’s interviews. Anthony Glassman. Anthony november/1130122.htm Alan Johnson, July 28, by 2015 blogs/the-daily-briefing/2015/07/07.28.2015-holford-leaving.html to 28 people” 20” to “five to 18 or “five from ranged capacity; they

12 13 14 but during her tenure she was widely credited by by widely credited she was but during her tenure organi a “new” creating for respondents interview dramati staff Ohio’s Equality She expanded zation. cally, Organizer Ohio the Southwest Lunan, who was on her background— reflected based in Cincinnati, of Jamaican a family from of color as a woman she did not fit the typical immigrants—noting Equality Ohio, like organizations at staff of profile outside of to hire effort been a conscious “There’s echoed Tami’s Elyzabeth pool of candidates.” that happen that “it does not always saying comment, but it has been a conscious organizations, for way us.” for commitment groups in the state led to clashes that many many clashes that led to in the state groups Karla detail. in striking recounted interviewees Columbus of Stonewall Director Executive Rothan, the “Why said that center), community (the LGBT a was campaign public education Marriage Matters” the “fractures” heal helping to toward step positive and other marriage equality groups EO between the repeal to push immediately to wanted that the ballot box. ban at marriage gay state’s LGBT this complicated inherited Holford Elyzabeth landscape in 2012, and organizational history executive fourth Ohio’s when she became Equality in 2005. founded it was since director left the orga Elyzabeth the helm of EO, at years decision Court the Supreme soon after nization ------People had a very realistic realistic very had a People it taking at of expectation tation of it taking at least ten years before changing before years ten least of it taking at tation stra Nonetheless, amendment.” the constitutional for and timeline the pace differences—about tegic EO and other marriage equality repeal—between hibiting same-sex marriage. One interviewee who One interviewee marriage. hibiting same-sex founding EO’s led to in meetings that participated the support for with voters’ said being confronted turning real “a amendment marked, discriminatory expec realistic people had a very point; I think that held by the three C’s. C’s. the three held by LGBT several that was factor Another complicating of the 2004 in the wake formed organizations when the state’s Ohio, election, including Equality amendment pro a constitutional passed voters ily oriented to lobbying for legislative change, and change, legislative for lobbying to ily oriented major institu of in the power believe Clevelanders and other large tions such as unions, foundations of histories with long Other interviewees nonprofits. together working that agreed activism in the state theories of change the different by hampered was because each of the “three C’s” would try to play play try to would C’s” “three because each of the that explain on to He went “king of the mountain.” tradition have and Cincinnati Columbus Cleveland, and organizing of cultures distinct ally had very or of grassroots has a tradition activism. Cincinnati primar are advocates Columbus ganizing, whereas organizing in Ohio. One long-time resident and long-time resident One in Ohio. organizing to attempts in failed involved who had been activist than a more organization LGBT a statewide create reflect founded, Ohio was Equality decade before fell apart always they saying efforts ed on past Organizational History and Relationships History Organizational con was the revealed thing the interviews first The LGBT of statewide history and fractured tentious least ten years before changing the before years ten least amendment.” constitutional - - - she described “having to remind them more them more remind to she described “having 15 In follow-up with Ms. Harris three months after the initial interview, she indicated that Equality Ohio’s regional regional Equality Ohio’s that she indicated the initial interview, after months with Ms. Harris three In follow-up coordinator (now EO’s managing director) and the addition of two more EO staff in Cleveland had made the relational had made the relational in Cleveland EO staff more two and the addition of managing director) EO’s (now coordinator and a Black Picnic Family the annual Black Pride to EO supporting both she pointed As examples, than ever. better work Equality Ohio conducted, were the interviews after year a Furthermore, held in Cleveland. Theology conference Queer the and encouraging sending staff July 2015, by in held in Cleveland convening Black Lives for supported the Movement to support the conference. to donate social media followers organization’s

15 Movement Building Practices Movement to its commitment certainly was building practices movement Ohio’s One of Equality was also but the organization community, LGBT state’s of the the diversity reflecting people in how it reflected heard and we of intersectionality the concept promoting Ohio after with Equality involved get decided to One volunteer about the work. talked the subject hall meeting because she “brought a town speak at hearing Elyzabeth has Lunan said “Elyzabeth Tami Similarly, the conversation.” into of intersectionality be supposed to on the things we’re working addition to in made it a priority that the intersections.” also supporting people at on, we’re working mode” there was a lull in relational work, a lull in relational was mode” there weaker.” getting was stuff relational … the do stuff asking people to about not just consider these dynamics were that others noted she and with these concerns, Even and a consciousness demonstrating EO was and that earlier years from ably improved and issues. experiences diverse including and reflecting to commitment ly an important step in ensuring the organization better reflect an LGBT community LGBT an reflect better ensuring the organization in step ly an important one interviewee However, gender identity. and class of race, in terms is diverse that promote to people of color hiring from move to needed still Ohio Equality suggested they communities what ask to color of staff empower instead agenda, and to EO’s of of the direction reversal suggested This [EO].” them agenda to need and bring, “our For instance, do. to trying was already staff the EO what reflect agenda-setting may when that means “That saying, building intention movement EO’s discussed Elyzabeth But campaign priorities.” about our meeting isn’t just every a community, go into we legislation nondiscrimination advance (to major campaign efforts of two in the midst it couples) same-sex of marriage for public about the importance the educate and to Exec Harris, Phyllis instance, For this intention. fulfill EO to for hard been have may in “campaign was while EO said that Center, LGBT of the Cleveland Director utive This “conscious commitment” that both Tami and Elyzabeth remarked on was certain on was remarked Elyzabeth and both Tami that commitment” “conscious This [Intersectionality] means that when we go into a community, every every a community, go into we when means that [Intersectionality] campaign priorities.” about our isn’t just meeting

The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 12 The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 13 - - I lived under that fear [of [of fear that under I lived against] being discriminated To address this tension between the priorities of between this tension address To Ohio staff Equality marriage and nondiscrimination, about talked organizers and other professional or shifting called “redirecting” they another practice nondiscrimina marriage to from the conversation the difficulty in noted of the organizers tion. Several com in the LGBT on nondiscrimination focusing nondiscrimination that explained Elyzabeth munity. do to have you visibility and appeal, “All has less get lots of media is mention marriage and you’ll woman Cheri Holdridge—a straight Rev. attention.” in congregation an LGBT-inclusive to who pastors of broadening about the challenge Toledo—talked the facing of issues range of the analysis people’s allies would, straight saying community, LGBT about marriage than a rally have “much rather dying in people are transgender learn about how Organizer Northeast EO’s Thomas, Nicole Ohio.” she dealt with described how based in Cleveland, and once you have lived under that that under lived have you and once you where have to the right context, becomes far be safe work and live important.” more He worried than marriage. him personal priority for like it’s what in big cities, “Don’t know men gay that and then married on Sunday someone who gets for under that I lived on Monday. or fired gets evicted context, under that lived have you and once fear be safe and work live you where have the right to important.” more far becomes - - - came to talk about … I have to redirect and explain how nondiscrim how and explain to redirect came to talk about … I have The first thing they ask about is marriage, even [if] it isn’t the thing I ask about is marriage, even thing they The first and marriage have to go hand in hand.” to go hand in and marriage have it doesn’t affect others; it can be very costly to be costly very others; it can be it doesn’t affect man described white one gay Additionally, LGBT.” a at and discrimination harassment anti-gay how a higher job had made nondiscrimination previous LGBT community you have a whole other factor of a whole other factor have you community LGBT Another EO volunteer, discrimination.” employment about the impact of talked a cisgender woman, on the men and women gap between the wage hers, like couples security of lesbian economic ways community in our inequality affects “Income and/or sexual orientation spoke particularly clearly spoke orientation sexual and/or these intersecting between about the connection woman, a transgender One volunteer, struggles. state in the discrimination on anti-trans reflected their jobs about losing worry Buckeyes “All saying, but as a member of the issues, based on economic However, the interviewees who had experienced who had experienced the interviewees However, the connec make able to best were discrimination rights. and LGBT justice economic tions between dis who had experienced women instance, For gender identity their gender, to related crimination out of 18), but when asked about the issues facing facing about the issues asked out of 18), but when unanimous almost interviewees most people, LGBT campaign priorities the two naming to ly defaulted the of marriage and nondiscrimination—despite analysis. an intersectional push for and informing the organizing practices. We asked asked We practices. the organizing and informing Ohioans in for issues important about the most LGBT for important issues the most and general intersected. the issues see where people in Ohio to and jobs economy identified the interviewees Most (11, in general Ohio for important issue as the most Many of the interview questions were intended to to intended were questions of the interview Many “intersectionality” meant by people what explore perspective an “intersectional” saw they and how work on to selected EO in the issues both reflected ------color working for several groups—such as Planned groups—such several for working color center community LGBT the city’s Parenthood, people at educate group—to and a transgender about the nondiscrimina events Pride the city’s Public Affairs who was tion campaign. Eris Dyson, the time of at Manager with Planned Parenthood co this fledgling that acknowledged the interviews, color, women of queer included five alition—which persons and one white transgender white two on Equality focused queer cisgender woman—was but said, “the hope effort, nondiscrimination Ohio’s to be able they’ll comes up, stuff when my is that EO’s building saw Elyzabeth support me as well.” progressive with other key work to commitment and justice such as unions, reproductive groups, year as part of a five civil rights organizations, would wins collective some She hoped that effort. part of the Ohio as an integral highlight Equality change happens in Ohio. progressive of how fabric Nicole and other Equality Ohio organizers spoke spoke Ohio organizers Equality and other Nicole of structuring the importance about compellingly in the commu help those that in ways their work with discrimination primary experience nity whose instead to orientation sexual is only based on their identities inter and how the bigger picture “see identifies Nicole—who that noteworthy It was sect.” talked woman—always American as a queer African “us” and a “we.” as an community about the LGBT evident was talking inclusively to commitment This about those elements of the LGBT when she spoke not herself) “it’s whom for (certainly community been discrim we’ve where time in our lives the first everyone have to commitment That against.” inated perspec included in the “us” seems an important and intersectional building an inclusive for tive movement. of other women joined with Nicole In Cleveland, - - - that’s that’s that’s where we’re trying to get to” get to” trying to we’re where that’s volunteer who said, “We do all want marriage, marriage, do all want who said, “We volunteer the end game, added). (emphasis at and supporting us now will disappear.” These These will disappear.” and supporting us now at mostly which were concerns, level movement of and women women transgender by expressed made some comments by validated were color man white such as one gay other interviewees, by focused on the concerns of people of color and and of people of color on the concerns focused once that “I worry people explained, transgender most those with the marriage equality is achieved, will get it done, to the money who have power, to will continue need and the rest they what have looking are that [and] those organizations ... suffer backseat to the fight for marriage equality in the the fight to backseat I’d leader said, “right now, One grassroots state. more received marriage has that say definitely commu the trans to go around but if you focus, important is much more nondiscrimination nity, particularly who was One interviewee us.” to nondiscrim and marriage have to go hand in hand.” go hand in hand.” to have nondiscrim and marriage transgender and the people of color of Many particularly were interviewed we respondents taking a was nondiscrimination that concerned is that full equality means achieving both of these full equality means achieving is that Lunan de Tami other things too.” things and many organiza with of her conversations scribed many ask they thing first “The similarly: tions and activists [if] it isn’t the thing I came even about is marriage, how and explain redirect to about … I have talk to the challenge of having two concurrent campaigns: campaigns: concurrent two of having the challenge between battle this sort of dueling always “There’s say but I always and nondiscrimination, marriage that I joke critical. [Sometimes] both they’re that picture it all’ [but] the bigger I want ‘I’m greedy,

The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 14 The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 15

- - - - outside wants something to happen … and it feels really great.” great.” really feels to happen … and it something wants outside We have been chosen as a state where everybody from the from everybody where state been chosen as a have We body from the outside wants something to happen … and it feels really great.” great.” really happen … and it feels to something the outside wants body from LGBT work through EO would be sustained. A couple of interviewees worried that Ohio that worried of interviewees couple A be sustained. EO would through work LGBT polit in funding, depending on the state’s booms and busts can go through organizations interviewed we the people concerns, those Despite cycle. in the electoral ical significance building in and alliance organizing of intersectional hopeful about the future very were every where state been chosen as a have put it, “We Cheri Holdridge As Rev. the state. It was not clear from the interviews how long the national interest in supporting Ohio’s in supporting Ohio’s interest long the national how the interviews not clear from It was Non-Discrimination Act in 2013, in which EO partnered with the Human Rights Campaign with the Human EO partnered in which in 2013, Act Non-Discrimination partners on with national working that noted Elyzabeth groups. LGBT and other national saying, team the EO staff an important learning opportunity for campaign was the ENDA a get into volunteers team and because it helped the field timing,” perfect us it was “for of campaign organizing. and pace practice Equality Ohio had been very willing to partner with national groups, focusing on bringing on bringing focusing groups, partner with national willing to very Ohio had been Equality we in of the 21 people five instance, For the state. of all kinds into resources national and facilitated sponsored in the state trainings attended mentioned having terviewed also attributed A number of interviewees Force. Task and Lesbian Gay the National by Employment federal for the to the campaign Equality Ohio with involvement their first nizations to invest in the capacity of state and local groups. This weaving together of together weaving This and local groups. in the capacity of state invest to nizations was players national to relationships and vertical the state across relationships horizontal infrastructure. organizational Ohio’s of Equality of the strengthening an important part growth rapid of EO’s trajectory about the capacity needs and also anxiety was But there local groups. more other vis-à-vis role as its as well Structures for Social Change for Structures its staff expanded the organization Ohio, helm of Equality the at was Elyzabeth While and orga structures of national advantage It also took the state. throughout and reach - - - - - In the collective impact literature, a key com a key impact literature, In the collective Identify Coordinating Organizations Identify Coordinating is the backbone organization. ponent of success learning, the lead; it offers is not organization This support, coordination, measurement, facilitation, promote ideas, and other functions that strategic a clearly towards together working groups various examples, case identified set of goals. In our two Strong by played role a modified backbone saw we Both these organi Ohio. NM and Equality Families bridge on values, leaders who focused have zations importantly, More building, and tangible results. the com others in by trusted were both groups be areas—to issue within and across munity—both of all. and support the success inclusive - Dollars can help but food is really important, good facilitation with an with good facilitation important, is really can help but food Dollars out in a calling each other and framework, analysis anti-oppression gentle and compassionate way.” way.” and compassionate gentle race, immigration status, gender, class—can be sup class—can gender, status, immigration race, facilitated training, through and encouraged ported for and financial support convene, opportunities to together. working collaboration or a member-based network—as a or a member-based network—as collaboration building type of alliance This build power. to way a community of depends in part on the readiness to of leadership, and on the willingness or state, across works that Leadership collaboratively. work such as issues divides—especially on issue different Though there are many examples of alliance of alliance examples many are there Though been a has often the decades, there building over both within relationships of fractured long history As a change. social for movements and across shift towards seeing a dramatic are we sector, as informal it is framed together—whether working LGBT and other progressive groups. Some thoughts about investing to encourage this mindset are reflected in reflected are this mindset to encourage about investing Some thoughts groups. progressive and other LGBT recommendations. the following Building of Alliance a Culture Develop Lens with an Intersectional ists for LGBT rights, and starting to create a culture of LGBT work where organizing in this way was the norm. was way in this organizing where work LGBT of a culture to create and starting rights, LGBT for ists commonly used more becomes ever word As this about intersectionality. a lot talked at looked we The alliances by action is put into this approach how it is a good time to understand and activists, organizations among LGBT The New Mexico and Ohio stories illustrate what it means from an LGBT perspective to take the theory of inter the theory of to take perspective an LGBT it means from what illustrate stories Mexico and Ohio The New intersectional their been building have interviewed we Mexicans New The practice. and put it into sectionality the By contrast, work. their of benefits the to reap in a position now and are than a decade, more alliance for activ base of within their perspective an intersectional trying to articulate of in the initial stages were Ohioans Recommendations

The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 16 The New Now: Working Together for Social Change 17 - - - - The organizational allies and funders who invested and funders who invested allies organizational The not have early on could United Women in Young be iden would this organization that predicted for gravity of center as a later years tified fifteen Rev. Mexico. in New building alliance progressive Ohio could Equality that Jones suggested Lesley to leaders of color of LGBT support a roundtable As work. outside of their daily step and convene building she put it, this table should not be “about about building something sus a campaign, it’s period of progressive a new enter As we tainable.” to how know to building, it is hard movement it is why That of the future. in the successes invest are that formations support newer is important to and challenging the tried and true learning from And though not all will succeed, of operating. ways the next into us forward do will take the ones that and equitable, just, decades of building a more world. sustainable of the transgender leaders we spoke to indicat to spoke leaders we of the transgender in (either about being marginalized ed concerns financial support) means or securing issue-setting trans integrate do to to work is still there that fully as part of the LGBT gender organizations the across in states infrastructure movement country. Risks Take - - -

It’s about relationships and being present for other people’s stuff, and and stuff, people’s other for being present and about relationships It’s also organizations; other for matter things that into energy putting Similarly, the transgender activists we spoke to (all to spoke we activists the transgender Similarly, an analysis expressed often white) of whom were of the inter in its articulation striking was that identity and issues transgender sections between some that fact The oppression. and class of race New Mexico and the coalition of LGBT and repro of LGBT and the coalition Mexico New founded were in Cleveland groups justice ductive is an ongoing need to There of color. women by and support the visibility of, promote to, listen leadership of people of color, the organizational movement. in the LGBT of color, especially women of Color and Transgender People and Transgender of Color of color women that revealed interviews The in making an intersectional been central have organizing on-the-ground for a reality approach in United Women Both Young states. in the two ten years, rather than the two to three years of years three to than the two rather years, ten by the evidenced Already campaign efforts. many support long-term support of marriage equality, change. for alliances to integral builds relationships of Women in Leadership Invest a Long-Term Vision a Long-Term in inter and funders interested Organizations the building should consider sectional alliance and think about in both states of activists example to of five in time spans change efforts their own Embrace Patience and Patience Embrace and what you can do to help.” can do to help.” you what and letting other people tell you and not assuming or projecting what is important is important what projecting assuming or and not you people tell other letting For more information, please visit The Building Movement Project at www.buildingmovement.org or contact us at [email protected]