Personal Philosophy
My politics are this: I believe in the liberation of all people, of all places, of all times. And anything that interferes with that liberation must be examined, challenged, and overturned. This includes such external forces as social, cultural, political, and economic systems that stratify us along hierarchical lines of power. But it also includes any internal forces that are destructive and damaging to our emotional and psychological selves.
I also wonder if even this framework is too narrow, as argued by my vegan and nonhuman liberationist friends. That is to say, I seek to recognize, appreciate, and defend the symbiotic nature of all life and take as a truism that each living creature exists as part of a larger whole. A better world can only be achieved by acknowledging and acting upon that interconnection. We are fallible and incomplete beings, but I find it hard to believe that our current society is the best that we can do. I thus unapologetically fight for fundamental and transformative social change.
My influences are diverse and far reaching. But if I had to summarize my beliefs, I would point to a few ideas: the feminist notion that the personal is political; the Black Power anthem of all power to the people; the Hindu greeting that the god in me recognizes the god in you (Namaste); and a qualified version of Abbie Hoffman's "revolution for the hell of it" . . . do it not only because it's the right thing to do, but also because it feels good to unleash and act upon the general life force that seeks a better world.
I'm fully aware of lofty political ambitions and understand that I'll probably never see the world that I want—it might take thousands of generations to achieve a world of horizontal relations, mutual respect and appreciation, and collective liberatory practices. But the change begins with each of us, and when future generations evaluate the current times they'll know that some of us acted for the greater good. It is from this orientation that I envision efforts for social change not as isolated, individual acts but as part of an ongoing historical narrative that bends toward justice and liberation.
I also wonder if even this framework is too narrow, as argued by my vegan and nonhuman liberationist friends. That is to say, I seek to recognize, appreciate, and defend the symbiotic nature of all life and take as a truism that each living creature exists as part of a larger whole. A better world can only be achieved by acknowledging and acting upon that interconnection. We are fallible and incomplete beings, but I find it hard to believe that our current society is the best that we can do. I thus unapologetically fight for fundamental and transformative social change.
My influences are diverse and far reaching. But if I had to summarize my beliefs, I would point to a few ideas: the feminist notion that the personal is political; the Black Power anthem of all power to the people; the Hindu greeting that the god in me recognizes the god in you (Namaste); and a qualified version of Abbie Hoffman's "revolution for the hell of it" . . . do it not only because it's the right thing to do, but also because it feels good to unleash and act upon the general life force that seeks a better world.
I'm fully aware of lofty political ambitions and understand that I'll probably never see the world that I want—it might take thousands of generations to achieve a world of horizontal relations, mutual respect and appreciation, and collective liberatory practices. But the change begins with each of us, and when future generations evaluate the current times they'll know that some of us acted for the greater good. It is from this orientation that I envision efforts for social change not as isolated, individual acts but as part of an ongoing historical narrative that bends toward justice and liberation.
I am happy to offer face-to-face and virtual talks and workshops on these and other ideas. Below are some general areas and examples, but I can easily modify and adapt. Feel free to contact me for further details.
Talks and Workshops

Pennsylvania State Capitol
General Areas/Topics:
Social Movement Literacy
Overview: Social movements are invaluable contributors to our collective lives, having helped us achieve everything from voting rights and civil rights to consumer protections and the ending of wars and genocide. But very few people have the ability and/or wherewithal to understand the nature and function of social movements. Social Movement Literacy addresses this gap as an issue of public pedagogy: How can we improve the public’s ability to properly “read and understand” the tactics, histories, motivations, and goals of social movements?
Art and Activism
Overview: How do activists use symbolism and the aesthetics of everyday appearance to capture the public’s attention and expand our understanding of political possibilities? This talk addresses this question by analyzing the relationship between art, activism, and the political imagination. Contemporary and historically famous examples are examined (the Climate Justice Movement and the Black Panther Party, for instance).
Examining Privilege
Overview: This workshop uses a series of self-reflective exercises to highlight (and hopefully change) our differing relationships to power, privilege, and oppression. How might “unearned benefits” manifest themselves within everyday interactions? In what contexts are you the privileged and/or under-privileged? How can we be more mindful of, and hopefully resist and change, such power dynamics? What wider social systems are at work in perpetuating these relations? How might we begin dismantling systems of oppression?
Campaigning 101
Overview: This is a crash course of how to organize a public campaign for social change. Topics include: choosing and narrowing your campaign issue/focus; conducting background research; designating power-brokers, allies, and enemies; recruiting people, outreach, and coalition building; setting realistic goals; and outlining a strategy and tactics. This workshop can range from a few hours to a few days and can be general overview (how to get started) or tailored to your specific needs (more like a consulting workshop).
Communicating Justice
Overview: This workshop helps students, activists, organizers, or nonprofit practitioners become effective communicators. Possible topics include: public speaking, persuasion, argumentation, storytelling, street theater, nonverbal communication, rhetorical strategy, messaging, and the development of new political vocabularies. This workshop can range from a few hours to a few days and can be very general or tailored to specific wants and needs.
- Understanding Social Movements
- The Nature and Purpose of Political Protest
- Theories and Practices of Social Justice
- Everyday Activism vs. Collective Action
- Rhetoric for Radicals
Social Movement Literacy
Overview: Social movements are invaluable contributors to our collective lives, having helped us achieve everything from voting rights and civil rights to consumer protections and the ending of wars and genocide. But very few people have the ability and/or wherewithal to understand the nature and function of social movements. Social Movement Literacy addresses this gap as an issue of public pedagogy: How can we improve the public’s ability to properly “read and understand” the tactics, histories, motivations, and goals of social movements?
Art and Activism
Overview: How do activists use symbolism and the aesthetics of everyday appearance to capture the public’s attention and expand our understanding of political possibilities? This talk addresses this question by analyzing the relationship between art, activism, and the political imagination. Contemporary and historically famous examples are examined (the Climate Justice Movement and the Black Panther Party, for instance).
Examining Privilege
Overview: This workshop uses a series of self-reflective exercises to highlight (and hopefully change) our differing relationships to power, privilege, and oppression. How might “unearned benefits” manifest themselves within everyday interactions? In what contexts are you the privileged and/or under-privileged? How can we be more mindful of, and hopefully resist and change, such power dynamics? What wider social systems are at work in perpetuating these relations? How might we begin dismantling systems of oppression?
Campaigning 101
Overview: This is a crash course of how to organize a public campaign for social change. Topics include: choosing and narrowing your campaign issue/focus; conducting background research; designating power-brokers, allies, and enemies; recruiting people, outreach, and coalition building; setting realistic goals; and outlining a strategy and tactics. This workshop can range from a few hours to a few days and can be general overview (how to get started) or tailored to your specific needs (more like a consulting workshop).
Communicating Justice
Overview: This workshop helps students, activists, organizers, or nonprofit practitioners become effective communicators. Possible topics include: public speaking, persuasion, argumentation, storytelling, street theater, nonverbal communication, rhetorical strategy, messaging, and the development of new political vocabularies. This workshop can range from a few hours to a few days and can be very general or tailored to specific wants and needs.