In Rinku Sen's recent blog post “Systems Language for Narrative Change”, she shares, “People and their stories about the world shape the systems we build and use...Distancing people from systems also distances people from their power. We accept dominant narratives if the stories they tell and challenges they present seem insurmountable.” 

Rinku is Executive Director of Narrative Initiative, and writer and social justice strategist. She is formerly the Executive Director of Race Forward and was Publisher of their award-winning news site Colorlines, and was also the architect of the Shattered Families report, which identified the number of kids in foster care whose parents had been deported. She continues to explore the necessity of using an intersectional lens when engaging in political and narrative change work.

Her books Stir it Up and The Accidental American theorize a model of community organizing that integrates a political analysis of race, gender, class, poverty, sexuality, and other systems. 

Under Rinku's leadership, organizations such as Race Forward have engaged in some really powerful campaigns such as Drop the i-Word. She discusses that work and the successes and challenges of running these campaigns. 

Join the conversation to hear Rinku elaborate on the importance in helping people realize their cultural power to effect change on societal systems.

***Hey Listeners!! We have an exciting announcement before today's episode. In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are partnering with The House of Ester, a local nonprofit, to fundraise for Hope Family Services, a domestic violence shelter in Bradenton, FL. We are asking for new or gently used purses, feminine products, and personal items that women need when they are unhoused. The purses will be filled with the supplies that we collect and will be donated on Christmas Eve. Please head over to our website www.theunpackedproject.com to view the Amazon Wishlist or make a monetary donation. Thank you!!!***