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A Great Retreat Springs a New Phase of FIERCE's Campaign!

FIERCE is one step closer in campaign for LGBTQ Youth Center!

Analysis & Reflections | Glo Ross | Sunday June 8, 2008 9:09

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A Great Retreat Springs a New Phase of FIERCE's Campaign!

On May 9th, FIERCE packed up a 16 passenger van filled with eager organizers , a few jo-sticks, and the heavy responsibility to strategize the next phase of our campaign.

 


We were riding off of a recent victory in defeating Related Company's proposal to build a $700 million dollar entertainment complex just steps away from the Christopher Street pier. But if we could organize against development we didn't want, one that prioritizes profit over people, we knew that we had to organize for the development we do want, one that puts people and community needs before dollar signs.

 

So off we set, packed tighter than the 1 train during a 6pm weekday commute, to strategize phase 2 of our campaign to bring a 24-hour LGBTQ youth center to Pier 40.

 

The next few days were spent in an exciting whirlwind of campaign strategy development trainings, power mapping, and reviewing elements of an effective campaign. We also got down and dirty and planned out the next year of our campaign strategy. Some of the tasks ahead of us involve strategic alliance building, a hardcore media plan, and some creative direct actions. You can see the fruits of our labor in the office on our strategy timeline.

 

Although much sweat and hard work was put in during the day times when we were in breakout groups or in workshops, some of the most important work happened outside of those spaces. We were able to build with each other through different activities indoors and out. In addition, we got to put into practice our organizational commitment to approach this work sustainably and with our full selves by learning and practicing new ways of centering.

 

We left the retreat center not only feeling a renewed sense of commitment to each other and the campaign work we are moving forward, but also to our community and to the larger movement for social justice.  

 

Check out some of the amazing photos in the photo gallery!