Redefining Our Approach for a Flourishing Tomorrow
In the weekly meditation on nature, The Overview, Editor-in-Chief Willow Defebaugh offers insights into creating effective change in progressive movements. Here's a glimpse into her thought-provoking perspective:
Embrace the best of human nature and continue working towards a thriving future, both in theory and practice. Defebaugh emphasizes the importance of combining passionate commitment with strategic planning to create effective and lasting change.
In a world where alliances are crucial, building broad coalitions doesn't have to mean compromising on our causes, but rather highlighting the areas where they overlap. The author believes in the power of moral clarity and strategy, ensuring our actions are guided by both conviction and purpose.
The current administration has challenged progress, but it doesn't mean that it's over or that we should give up. Life, like nature, adapts and evolves to survive, and as a movement, we are capable of doing the same. Widen our tent to create a bigger movement and expand who sees themselves reflected in it.
Defebaugh advises avoiding echo chambers online, forging connections with diverse perspectives, and learning the art of persuasion, emphasizing empathy and listening. Shift from all-or-nothing thinking regarding the climate crisis, understanding that every degree of warming matters and carries increased risks.
Progressives have lost ground on numerous causes, but the refusal to engage in dialogue, whether within progressive circles or with those who hold opposing views, only hinders progress. Speak to the issues that the majority of Americans care about, such as affordability and the economy, to build a more inclusive and effective movement.
Join our membership community to support our work and receive a complimentary subscription to Atmos Magazine. The newsletter is set to return from a summer pause in two weeks, offering more insights into the strategic approach to creating lasting change.
Rebecca Solnit, a renowned activist and author, is quoted saying, "Change is a spiraling process." Defebaugh's "The Overview" newsletter embodies this sentiment, offering a strategic, yet hopeful approach to creating a thriving future for all.
[1] How We Can Re-Strategize for a Thriving Future, [link to the article]
- Embrace the best of human culture, prioritizing education-and-self-development, art, and lifestyle, while maintaining commitment to climate change and politics.
- Defebaugh's "The Overview" newsletter, returning from summer pause in two weeks, aims to provide insights into creating effective change in progressive movements.
- Subscribing to Atmos Magazine's newsletter, part of the membership community, offers complimentary subscriptions and additional strategic approach insights.
- Progressives must engage in dialogue, addressing general-news issues such as affordability, economy, and climate risks, to build a more inclusive and effective movement.
- In line with Solnit's belief, change is a spiraling process, and aligning strategy with moral clarity, empathy, and marrying coalition-building with conviction, will lead us towards a thriving future.
