This week’s organizer spotlight features Anna Dvorak, a labor and political organizer:
1) What did you learn from the challenges of being an organizer in 2020?
While we’ve experienced so much trauma and loss over the past year, I’ve learned the importance of giving myself grace and have tried to re-focus my mind towards gratitude as often as I can. I’m extremely grateful for all of the new connections I’ve made, the mutual aid programs I’ve been a part of and the new hobbies I’ve been able to take up during the past year.
2) What sustains you? Where do you get the energy to keep going with the work?
What sustains me is my community. When I’m angry, tired, overwhelmed, and/or frustrated, I think about my people, what’s at stake and our vision for a better, more just world. I’ve also allowed myself to take more breaks when things get heavy. Yoga, meditation, going for a walk, or having a snack always helps :-)
3) What is your vision for community organizing post-election?
2021 presents a new and urgent opportunity to fight for the changes our communities need and deserve. The future of our planet is at stake, and we need to continue to build movement power to win a Green New Deal, Medicare for all, immigration reform, expanded democracy (including fair maps!), and more. Simultaneously, we must fight to divest from police, prisons, courts. and war. I will continue to be a part of these movements until we win. ¡Sí se puede!
