Women's High-Tech Coalition’s Post

Some important words from this 2022 piece that we're reflecting on this summer from Joseph Phelan and Jung Hee Choi. "Understandably, election campaigns focus on the short-term. But narrative change is a long-term project. Building narrative power for our movements requires a healthy ecosystem that combines leadership development, relevant tools and technology, substantial and sustained financial resources, and containers for collaboration and coordination. Our opposition has had decades to build their organizing and narrative infrastructure; our strategy needs to be similarly long-term and similarly wide-ranging." At BLIS, we are deeply committed to the arduous yet essential task of uprooting narratives that were planted over 400 years ago, narratives that allowed for millions of acres of land to be stolen, narratives that allowed for Black people to be enslaved for over 240 years and narratives that have allowed for a continuous and violent cycle of domination. Dismantling them is life-long work. https://lnkd.in/eYFdFA5H

America is more divided than ever in our history. Amidst the coming 4th of July parades, and celebrations, let's remember what unites us. Despite our differences on how we make these happen or if we believe they are happening, regardless of political affiliations, and backgrounds, we hopefully agree on what we stand for: Commitment to Freedom, Justice, and Representation: We all cherish the principles of freedom, justice, and the right to have a voice in our government. Our system is a testament to the collective will of the people, thriving on diverse perspectives and robust debate. Patriotism: Patriotism is a shared love for our country. Whether we express it through service, civic engagement, or simply flying the American flag, our patriotism unites us. Support for the Constitution: The U.S. Constitution is the cornerstone of our nation's governance. It guarantees our rights and freedoms and establishes the rule of law. Our commitment to the Constitution reminds us that we are all part of a larger narrative—one that champions liberty and justice for all. Economic Prosperity: We all aspire to achieve economic prosperity, to provide for our families, and to build a better future. We all want a prosperous, thriving nation where opportunity is accessible to everyone. This shared ambition is the American Dream. National Security: Ensuring the safety and security of our nation is a priority we all share. From supporting our troops to safeguarding our communities, we stand united in our commitment to protect our homeland. Healthcare Improvement: We recognize the importance of healthcare and strive to improve it for all Americans. Our shared goal is a healthier nation, where everyone has access to the care they need. This common pursuit is a testament to our collective compassion and dedication to our well-being. Education: Education is a fundamental value that we all support. We understand the power of knowledge and the importance of providing quality education to future generations. We are united in our belief that education is the key to a brighter future for all. Support for Veterans: Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Supporting them is a duty we all embrace, ensuring they receive the benefits and care they deserve. This shared commitment reflects our gratitude and respect for those who have served our country. Infrastructure Development: We recognize the necessity of investing in and maintaining our infrastructure. From roads and bridges to public transportation, these investments are crucial for our nation's growth and prosperity. Civil Liberties: We value civil liberties and individual freedoms, principles that define our nation. Our commitment to these rights is unwavering, even as we navigate the complexities of ensuring they are upheld for everyone. Happy Independence Day! As the USA come together to celebrate Independence Day, let's embrace the SPIRIT OF UNITY, understanding, and mutual respect.

IT'S SATIRE - 2 of 4: "THE CIRCUMLOCUTION OFFICE was (as everybody knows without being told) the most important Department under the Government. No public business of any kind could possibly be done at any time without the acquiescence of the Circumlocution Office. Its finger was in the largest public pie and in the smallest public tart. It was equally impossible to do the plainest right and to undo the plainest wrong without the express authority of the Circumlocution Office". (Charles Dickens) As part of my role as a reporter for the Oxbridge Careers Gazette, I interviewed Sir Geoffrey Wallop-Johnson, the head recruiter for non-donors or friends of ministers. ME: Is the Circumlocution Office still the most important Government department? Sir GW-J: Certainly, every senior civil servant wants to work there. ME: I never see any job adverts for it. Why is that? Sir GW-J: We accept internal applications only. ME: You have to be a senior civil servant already? Sir GW-J: Correct. Additionally, you must work in the Department of Incidents, Science and Traction. ME: I've never heard of it. Sir GW-J: Like the Circumlocution Office, the Department of DIS Traction is not public-facing. ME: What does it do? Sir GW-J: It keeps the public calm in the face of major incidents, such as assassinations, classified file leaks, financial crashes, pandemics, wars and royals posting dodgy photographs. ME: So how does it keep the public calm? Sir GW-J: Well, in the trade, we call it the "Now you see it, now you don't" department, as it has to change the story from something the punters may not like into something they do. It's an "Oh, that's OK then" effect. ME: You can't do that with war, can you? Sir GW-J: War is an easy one. The formula is to show that the opponents are mad, criminal, ill, undemocratic and a threat to our way of life - Glastonbury, Lords, Sunday lunch - that kind of thing. Then never say how much money we make, only count your injuries and deaths, never the women and children in the oppo's country. Then, replace the war stories with heartwarming stories of national treasures, dangerous protestors and activists or celebrity illnesses, deaths and squabbles. ME: How do our graduates get a job in DIS Traction? Sir GW-J: We're very inclusive. They don't need a degree but must have attended Oxford or Cambridge after an approved prep and public school. Oh, and they must be at least fourth-generation Englishmen with their own property in London. ME: So why is promotion to the Department of the Office of Circumlocution better than staying in the Department of DIS Traction? Sir GW-J: It's a job for life. It pays the best. What goes in never comes out. Ministers, their Donors, and Special Advisers revere it because, unlike DIS Traction, it "loses forever" what the public may erroneously think are sensible policies. ME: Such as? Sir GW-J: #payin30days or less. ME: Oh!  

The Volcker Alliance is excited to release its Annual Report! Senator Bill Bradley and I kick it off with a reflection: At a time when division dominates the national narrative, the Volcker Alliance is strengthening democracy by bringing people together. Our portfolio of work focuses on the people at the core of public service and, by doing so, serves as a steadfast source of optimism. The example set by our founder, Paul A. Volcker, anchors our efforts and motivates our team. As a public servant, Chairman Volcker never allowed politics to influence his pursuit of smart policy. He valued partnership over partisanship. He built deep connections with thinkers and leaders of all kinds. As part of his legacy, we uplift the value of working together toward the public good. Throughout 2023, we deepened our networks—of public servants, students, higher education leaders, philanthropists, and nonprofit peers—to coordinate and amplify our impact on public service. We designed and implemented initiatives to ensure our democracy has leaders at the helm who understand the imperative of service. Through our work, we are building a bench of changemakers who represent the diversity of our country and stand ready to collaboratively shape its future. Democracy is a project in which we all have a stake. Together we can make it more reflective, responsive, and resilient. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eNazY3xx

I am enjoying all the energy surrounding Kamala Harris. She deserves all of this and more. Our community's mobilization over the past few days is a testament to our intelligence, skills, ingenuity, and courage. By utilizing our social media platforms, finances, and networks, we created history unlike anything this country has ever seen. People from all walks of life participated, including blue collar, white collar, returning citizens, retired individuals, students, and people with diverse backgrounds and identities. I would like to encourage all of us to recognize that the work does not end with Kamala Harris. We also have a variety of municipal, county, and state elections on the ballot. There may also be ballot initiatives in some jurisdictions. We must continue to organize for these campaigns as well. It is important to remember that all politics are local. Your quality of life will be directly affected by those elections. We cannot afford to sit those out. The next phase of the process begins after election day. We must hold our elected officials accountable for their campaign promises. As a society, we do not have the luxury of simply going home after the election and thinking that is the end of the matter. Our community meetings need to be organized and attended on a regular basis. We need to continue raising funds. We must testify at hearings. Furthermore, we need to develop our own political agenda and a community plan. Our approach should be proactive rather than reactive. We also have to prepare for success. Succession planning is a key component of success. The next generation of leaders must be developed. Here is an example. A strong warrior was lost in this battle, Sheila Jackson Lee. May she forever rest in peace. However, who did we have to step into her role and not lose a beat? What infrastructure was in place, so we do not have to start over from scratch. We get what we organize for. Join an organization if you have not already done so. If you are currently a member of an organization, please ensure that your membership dues are current. Spend time reading books and participating in study sessions with others. Register seven high school students to vote. Plan to attend four local school board or city council meetings over the next year and express your concerns. This is also part of the assignment. #WinWithBlackMen #WinWithBlackWomen #DCD9Votes2024

"Happy Juneteenth..." they said to me, In an email, words so carelessly free. But "Happy Juneteenth" is complicated, With a history that's not so easily celebrated. Black workers still fight in the labor fray, Promotion, pay, opportunity—kept at bay. The erosion of rights, voting suppressed, Dreams of equity, persistently pressed. Circuit Court’s blow to the Fearless Fund, Black women’s hopes, under the gun. Supreme Court's ruling, a backward stride, Affirmative action, now pushed aside. 131 scholarships in Texas, no more, DEI banned, closing the door. "Happy Juneteenth," they said to me, A stab in the heart, invisibility. Should I let it be or make them see? The pain, the struggle, the history. "Happy Juneteenth..." they said to me, Yet freedom’s shadow is all I see. Policies backlash, inequities stand, A nation's 2020 progress, slipping through our hands. "Happy Juneteenth," is complicated, Injustice and pain, not yet abated. Hurt, and sadness deep, For promises broken, and progress steep. Should I share this, make it clear? Or let silence hold what I fear? For "Happy Juneteenth," they said to me, Is more than words, it's our history. Actions: 1. Donate to fearless fund: https://lnkd.in/eYSjZwdV 2. https://lnkd.in/ewcpvzA2 3. Follow Aerodei and share info with your HR leader and executive team. 4. Support Voting Rights Brennan Center for Justice (https://lnkd.in/ekpJrWuz 5. Request a pay equity audit from your organization. #juneteenth #happyjuneteenthiscomplicated #inclusion

The Role of Civic Leaders in Political Space With the political campaigns starting back up again, It is a good time to rejuvenate our local civic leaders.. Civic leaders are all around us, and are someone who inspires others. A civic leader can be someone who inspires you to run for a political office, or step out of your comfort zone, or maybe even lead in your voluntary/society group. There are some pretty simple things you can do to be a civic leader, such as volunteering, becoming educated in certain/all topics, supporting local business and growth, voting and using your voice to fight for what you believe. Volunteer for anything and everything, go socialize with the older generation. Learn something new about your community; explore different organizations and clubs. Take it one step further and join the organization; just by helping out you’re becoming an asset to your community. Support local business, make small business purchases. Use your voice, stand up for what you believe in, make your voice heard. Go to city council meetings and help determine what the committee can do to better the community. Vote, and encourage others to vote too. Doing this will spark others to make a difference in their communities and what makes one community so unique among the rest.

Even the smallest California newsroom is now able to track every vote taken, dollar donated, and word spoken at public hearings in the state legislature, thanks to a transparency tool, #DigitalDemocracy, launched by nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom CalMatters. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e7KbcuTQ #californianews #localnews #electionnews

As you honor Juneteenth, please consider the reflections of Netta Jenkins CEO, Aerodei. How will you (and your company?) reference the realities of this harsh history and current challenges? What words will you speak and actions will you take to support ongoing liberation, freedom, and human rights?

"In our private lives, of course, many of us in philanthropy support collective bargaining efforts and worker strikes as important levers of worker power to balance out corporate greed and inequality. Yet, as institutions, either because of misconception or lack of understanding, we have not intentionally coordinated with organized labor to bring about the change we both want for workers in America..." For friends in philanthropy, read this piece by Jennifer Epps for three things philanthropy can do to support the worker movement at this historic moment in the US.