In 2018, SURJ NYC embarked on a strategic planning process, informed by the work of adrienne maree brown in her book, “Emergent Strategy.” Out of that process, which explored the SURJ NYC theory of change, we determined to make those decisions which impacted the whole chapter by consensus.
So what is a consensus process and why do we spend so much time on reaching consensus? Consensus is a way of making decisions that requires us to share power, upending hierarchical ways of operating, and challenging us to take collective control over the decisions that impact our chapter. We work with each other, rather than for or against each other, modeling values of equity, freedom and cooperation. Finding consensus can be hard and time-consuming, butat its heart is a respectful dialogue between equals, with people working together to meet everyone's needs. In the words of adrienne maree brown, “There is a conversation in the room that wants and needs to be had. Don’t force it, don’t deny it. Let it come forth.”
At this Thursday’s chapter meeting, we will be discussing an exciting proposal for a new, formalized structure for base building in our chapter. A dedicated group of SURJ NYC organizers has been meeting for many months to develop an updated strategy for calling more white people into the movement, education and skill development, and building our community.
You may have noticed that we’ve been doing a lot of consensus-based decision-making recently. In October, we passed a proposal to develop a new Housing Justice working group; in February and March we decided on a structure for engaging around the 2021 NYC elections. And the work doesn’t end here -- we also have a group coalescing around Education Justice which we’ll discuss in the coming months, and immigration justice work forming.
There’s a really exciting reason for this: our membership is growing a lot. Over 1600 people have attended a SURJ NYC event in the past year, and many of those joined during the uprising for racial justice last summer. Our chapter has dedicated members who have been active since the chapter’s founding five years ago; organizers who joined last year ; and many in between. We are excited about the potential that this growth holds for expanding our work, deepening support for existing BIPOC partners, and redistributing money.
Participating in consensus is a necessary part of our work together. This is how we co-create how we want to move and take action.
We hope you read this proposal, and then come out to chapter on Thursday. Help us to get better at bringing more white people into this work. Bring your questions, concerns and creative ideas about how to improve our ability to make change. Even if you are new to the chapter, your input matters. Read the proposal, come with your thoughts and work with us to find consensus!
In solidarity,
SURJ NYC
P.S. If you’re new to SURJ, make sure you sign up for a Welcome Meeting. It’s a great place to get started—we cover what SURJ is, how and why we work the way we do, and where the right place for you (yes, you!) might be.