In the midst of a global pandemic and widespread social unrest, it is clear that we are living in a moment of great struggle. From the fight against systemic racism and police brutality to the battle for economic justice and healthcare for all, people across the country are rising up and demanding change. And at the forefront of this struggle are Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis and Noam Sandweiss-Back, two individuals who are dedicated to bringing greater organization and coordination to this emergent movement.
Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis is a co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, a movement that seeks to address the root causes of poverty and inequality in the United States. She is also the director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice, and a leading voice in the fight against poverty and systemic injustice. Noam Sandweiss-Back is a community organizer and activist who has been working with the Poor People’s Campaign for several years. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the struggle for justice and equality.
In a recent interview, Rev. Dr. Theoharis and Sandweiss-Back spoke about the current state of the country and the urgent need for greater organization and coordination in the fight for social change. They emphasized that this is not a new struggle, but rather a continuation of a long history of resistance and resilience.
“We are seeing, in this moment, this emergent struggle – this survival struggle that’s happening across the country,” Rev. Dr. Theoharis stated. “People are fighting for their lives, for their communities, for their dignity. And the question is: How do we bring greater organization and coordination to it?”
This is a crucial question that must be addressed if we are to see real and lasting change in our society. Theoharis and Sandweiss-Back stressed the importance of building strong and diverse coalitions, bringing together people from different backgrounds and movements to work towards a common goal. They also emphasized the need for sustained and strategic action, rather than short-term protests that may fizzle out without creating meaningful change.
But perhaps most importantly, they highlighted the importance of centering the voices and experiences of those most impacted by poverty, racism, and other forms of oppression. “We need to be led by the people who are most affected by these issues,” Sandweiss-Back stated. “We need to listen to their stories, their struggles, and their solutions.”
This call for greater organization and coordination is not just about the current moment, but also about building a strong and sustainable movement for the future. Rev. Dr. Theoharis and Sandweiss-Back stressed the need for long-term vision and planning, as well as the importance of nurturing and supporting emerging leaders.
“We need to be thinking about how we build a movement that can last for the long haul,” Rev. Dr. Theoharis said. “We need to be thinking about how we build leaders who can carry this work forward.”
In the face of so much uncertainty and turmoil, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. But Rev. Dr. Theoharis and Sandweiss-Back remind us that we are not alone in this struggle. Across the country, people are coming together to demand a more just and equitable society. And by working together, listening to each other, and staying committed to the fight, we can bring about the change that is so desperately needed.
As Rev. Dr. Theoharis and Sandweiss-Back remind us, “We are not just fighting for ourselves, we are fighting for each other.” So let us join hands and continue this emergent struggle with greater organization and coordination, knowing that together, we can create a better world for all.
