Interesting exchange on organizing against Trump's goons

Juliette Kayyem who worked the disaster management portfolio in the Obama administration (her book here) offered an observation on Blue Sky about how Minneapolis is achieving its level of organized resistance.

Kayyem: I have begun to think that Minnesota pushback to ICE was unique and a model because it gave people something to do. It wasn’t about just going out in streets for rallying purposes. People had a mission: videos, whistles, information and communication flow to communities. They had something to do.

Ezra Levin, cofounder of national Indivisible: 100%. I honestly believe political leaders ask too little of people. The thinking is you need an extraordinarily low bar - so ask people for money or to sign something. People want to be part of something and they're eager to do real meaningful work in defense of their community and their rights.

Levin: The political system largely treats people like small-dollar ATMs that vote every 2 years. Everybody gets deluged with emails asking for money. It feeds cynicism and burnout. Rarely do you get a "help me organize our community" email.

Sherrilyn Ifill: Correct.

Nassim: frankly a lot of politicians see active constituents as a burden rather than an opportunity

Levin: much of the entire party views engaged people as a problem to be solved. ...The smothering out of the obama grassroots energy is my roman empire - I think about it all the time. I was an idealistic recent college grad and I remember a massive celebration call for volunteers after the win with a promise to continue the momentum. Then...nothing. We got the Tea Party instead.

Lydy: There is nothing more bonding than a work party. Collating and stamping a fanzine, setting up chairs in an auditorium, cooking a large meal in a church kitchen ...

And much more ... 

Let's keep doing the work!