The Movement We Need ~ with Starhawk

It’s hard to believe, but we are wrapping up “The Movement We Need.” In this podcast episode, I revisit the work that we have moved through together. I encourage you to join me in this reflection, and also explore each chapter and podcast episode whenever you need a refresher. Now, where to next? I am excited to move into a collaborative vision and version of this podcast and my writings and would...

Whether in the northern or southern hemisphere, Summer Solstice (northern, June 20) and Winter Solstice (southern, June 20) is a time to pause, especially now, to reflect, regroup, and restore our energy. In this special episode, we will work with FIRE, as I guide us through a Summer Solstice Meditation. Visit my Substack and consider becoming a paid subscriber .

There is an illusion that patriarchy benefits men.  It does, but at a terrible cost, to men as well as women and gender diverse folks. In this episode, I explore the themes of warrior culture, patriarchy, and the impact of these ideologies on men and society. Patriarchy is not only oppressive to women but also detrimental to men, conditioning them to suppress their emotions and serve the interests...

There is a great need for meaning and purpose in activism… in life in general! In this episode, I look at how individuals can align their values with their actions. Together, we will look at some of the core values of progressive movements, the significance of interconnection, and the ethical responsibilities that come with activism. I offer some actionable tips and ask - what is most sacred to yo...

Agency and governance play a critical role in decision-making within movements and organizations. Decision making within groups can be tough, and I have many stories to back that up! I have seen and experienced positive and not-so-positive outcomes within collective agreements, and in this episode we explore methods, including decree, voting, and consensus, as important steps in governance and dis...

In this conversation, I talk about the importance of building real relationships, treating people with respect, and cultivating a culture of appreciation within movements. I also touch on celebrating the small victories within our lives and movements, and the power of storytelling in connecting our lived and ancestral experiences and fostering a sense of community. There are practical and emotiona...

Trauma touches all of us—sometimes shaking the very core of who we are and leaving us feeling disconnected from our own power. In this episode, I explore the different layers of trauma and how they show up in both our personal lives and our communities. We'll take a deeper look at the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses, and how these survival instincts impact our ability to organize, re...

Today we are, although belated, celebrating the spirit of the ancient Pagan and Celtic festival Beltane as well as May Day. Let’s take the time to really be present with the world, especially during the changing seasons, so that we remember the beauty all around us as we continue our efforts toward justice. This is sacred work—remembering joy as resistance and drawing energy from the deep connecti...

We can be agents of truth and shift the tides of public opinion. In this episode, I explore the idea of becoming “Info-Guerrillas,” tools to combat misinformation across social media, and the impact we have through our personal stories and the way we share posts online. MATERIAL REFERENCE: Donella Meadows “Leverage Points—Places to Intervene in a System” https://donellameadows.org/wp-content/userf...

Today I offer examples and insights into how we can create a culture of valuing one another. Personal connections, appreciation, and recognition within communities are all vital, as well as accountability and constructive feedback. Constructive feedback is often the part we trip up on — but I have some ideas. I also chat a bit about my experience as an elder… who as a young person used to have a g...

In this episode, I talk about some of the challenges (and possibilities) of navigating identity and status threats in the very non-linear world of well-intentioned movement building. While confronting, there are some essential human needs that movements must address, particularly the need to be seen and valued and the very real threat people feel when their sense of self is denied. I explore the e...

In this episode of The Movement We Need, I walk us through some helpful ways to, well, BE an asshole. I also touch on… The need to value individuals in their entirety. Framing narratives that hold powerful individuals accountable for their actions. How we can actually address accountability constructively to foster change.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive movement. And one simple way to achieve that… stop being an asshole. The detrimental effects of behaviors like blaming, shaming, and name-calling, can drive people away from activism and the important work that we do. By focusing on framing issues constructively, we can foster a sense of belonging and strengthen the mo...

In this episode, I look to the Spring Equinox, and what it can teach us about core human needs such as safety, belonging, agency, value, and impact. I will share a special ritual, looking to Demeter and Persephone, illustrating themes of renewal and transformation. It will be a journey. Settle in.

In this episode, I look further into the essential human needs for safety, belonging, value, agency, and purpose. A sense of belonging within groups and movements is vital. Together, let us highlight the complexities of identity and the need for bridging connections rather than breaking apart. Join me as we foster relationships across differences to create a larger, more unified community committe...

Humans are social creatures. We need to feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves, or simply a part of the fabric of community. As we explore some of the core human needs around movement building - this episode is part one on belonging.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of strategic organizing, touching on a clear strategy that includes open organizing, education through personal experience, effective campaigns, and building community trust. We need a proactive approach to activism, encouraging and educating others where we can, and crafting compelling narratives that challenge opposing views. There is immense power in co...

In this episode, I want to check in with you all and share some of my thoughts on anger, grief, trauma, and different kinds of power. Plus, some helpful tips to ground during times of overwhelm.

In this episode, I offer a commentary following the U.S. Presidential Election results. I invite you to share an earth-centered practice with me, grounding into the present context of this moment in time. May we move through the process of anger, rage, depression, and even apathy… leading us to acceptance, and the energy and clear thinking we need to make positive change.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of creating emotional safety within activist groups, emphasizing the need for support and solidarity. We explore the paradox of safety in activism, the role of restorative justice in community reintegration, and the significance of constructive critique in communication, as well as highlighting the need to shift the frame of safety from one of punishment t...

In this conversation, Starhawk discusses the importance of safety in movements. She explores the concept of framing and how the way we frame safety agreements can impact the sense of safety in a group. She suggests framing agreements in terms of positive aspirations and allyship rather than rules and punishment. Starhawk also discusses the difference between intent and impact and the importance of...

We are wrapping up some of Starhawk's helpful principles in building a broad-based movement. - We explore educating as an important part of organizing - Creating structures of ritual and welcome - And perhaps most importantly, BE KIND Read more at Substack.com/@starhawk Happy listening!

In this episode, we explore some important and relevant principles that are especially crucial during our digital age: - Language that speaks to everyone - Practicing constructive critique - Avoiding shaming and blaming + giving praise and appreciation publicly Please read more at substack.com/@starhawk Happy listening!

In this episode, we move through the next 4 principles for building a broad-based, regenerative movement. A regenerative movement finds a role for everybody. Not just for the politically perfect, or extremely bold. We need a truly diverse movement if we are going to create a broad-based movement for justice.  The perfect is the enemy of the good. I have a lot to say about this! In a regenerative m...

In this episode, I'm going to be looking at 3 of the 13 principles for building a welcoming movement, as well as exploring the ways we can understand and think more about power . The principles discussed in this episode are: Being part of a movement should feel good A movement should have a big and positive vision A movement should be dynamic, creative, and experimental, rather than rigid and...