There are so few people I can really talk to about the state of the world right now. People I care about are often plugged into the outrage machine—endlessly watching, worrying, and venting—but not doing much to move forward.
And in too many communications circles, the conversation is stuck on tactics and testing and asking who can be “the Rogan of the left,” with too little focus on the world we want to build and the campaigns, actions, and policies that could get us closer to that vision.
We Need Something to Reach For
If we’re going to get through this tough time, we need something to reach for—something to keep walking toward.
That’s why I’m so proud to be part of Liberation Stories, the new anthology created by RadComms, the community of movement communicators and organizers committed to building narrative power and shifting culture to advance social justice.
The chapter I co-authored with Tigress Osborn and Pamela Mejia shares the story of how we used a policy win in New York City to change the conversation about body size and reinforce narratives that make way for fat liberation.
This book is a memoir and a textbook, a fairy tale and a documentary.
It shows a path to building narrative power within and among communities and movements so we can move toward a better future for us all.
| How to Order Liberation Stories To order a copy of Liberation Stories, visit The New Press and use code TNP30 for 30% off. Bulk orders (10 or more copies shipped to one address) receive a 40% discount—larger orders get even more. |
Building Power Against the Odds
Liberation Stories is a reminder that we can dream, even when times are tough, and that what we can dream, we can win.
If you, like me, are looking for inspiration and conversation, join us on the book tour! Meet and talk to the editors and authors, and hear what they have learned about building power against the odds. Every time I listen to co-editors Shanelle Matthews and Marzena Zukowska, I learn something new and just feel better!
Come to a Tour Stop Near You
Over the next few weeks, the tour is making its Southern swing through New Orleans, Durham, Miami, and Houston. I especially want folks near Durham and Miami to come out and meet Tigress Osborn, who will blow your mind with her astute analysis and smart strategies
| Liberation Stories is coming to: Durham, NC -July 14 Miami, FL – July 16 Houston, TX – July 18 Seattle, WA – July 21 Oakland, CA- July 29 Los Angeles, CA- July 31 |
Then the tour heads West, where you can chat with me and my other co-author, Pamela Mejia, in Oakland on July 29. Pamela is not only one of the smartest people I know, but she is also one of the funniest. Don’t miss her!
Nothing feels better right now than being with people who want to radically reshape this world and have ideas for how we can do it together.
So get the book, join an event, and let’s get to writing some new Liberation Stories for the next edition!
Amanda Cooper is a Senior Partner at LightBox Collaborative, where she helps teams tap into narrative power, spark shared vision, and craft stories that create change. Curious to explore ideas together? She’d love to hear from you.