Hi John,

Last week, our Democracy took a significant step—one away from freedom and towards authoritarianism. As we collectively engage in our post-mortem analysis of this election, the narrative has centered on identity politics—hot takes in the media about how each demographic voted and where pundits believe we’ve lost ground. The next administration has promised to restrict more rights of our most marginalized communities—the communities we have been fighting for and fighting with. The communities to which we belong. This is not news—it is the culmination of a centuries-long strategy to oppress women, trans people, LGBQIA+ folks, Black folks, Indigenous folks, and other communities of color. And last week we witnessed the fruits of this labor as authoritarian and fascist leaders were elected into office at nearly every level of our government.  

In this next chapter, we are readying ourselves for the necessary “Movement Spring” that requires a people-powered organizing front to fight back against far right extremism and authoritarianism. This election was not lost ONLY because of anti-black racism, sexism, xenophobia, and scarcity—though these were certainly significant factors. It was lost because Progressives were unable to offer a clear vision of why Democracy is worth saving to our people. As organizers, our job is to help our communities see how their lives will improve when they join the movement to shape, protect, and expand our vision of a multiracial liberated Democracy. 

So what now? What can we collectively learn from this moment?

At re:power, we are committing to shifting our movement’s culture from its focus on election cycles to a longer arc of power-building that will require multiyear strategies and developing generations of leaders. This is the shift that will allow us to firmly push back against authoritarianism and build durable solutions for our communities.

And it starts today. NOW is the moment for our movement to unite and fight back. They may take away our rights, but they can’t take away our fight. Our “Movement Spring” is coming. Are you ready?

Join us this March at Camp re:power—your home away from your organizing home. A four-day space designed for organizers like you to be among like-minded and values-aligned peers. This is your space to prepare for what lies ahead and ready yourself to organize your community.

“Campers” will be invited to reflect, reset, and recommit to the work ahead:

Reflect on the previous election and organizing cycle and nurture emotional and intellectual regulation through guided somatic experiences.

Reset your goals and strategies and deepen your organizing and leadership skills. Our workshops provide hands-on learning opportunities from nationally renowned trainers in our five program areas: Grassroots Organizing, Movement Technology, Electoral Justice, Women of Color Leadership, and Progressive Governance.

Recommit to your movement purpose and get clarity on your organizational vision. You and your fellow “campers” will leave with a direction forward and momentum, both as individuals and as a collective. 

We welcome you to the Spring. 

With love,
Team re:power