Civic Life Lunch: Lessons and Strategies from Community Organizing Around the World

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How does an indigenous community on South Africa’s Wild Coast take on Shell Oil... and win? How have Urban Poor communities in the Philippines organized thousands of members to address the front-line impacts of climate change? Why do Barcelona residents build ‘democracy schools’ for poetry, debate, and the circus in neighborhoods across the city?  Dive into these questions with Tufts Visiting Fellow, Cameron Conner, a dynamic community organizer who has dedicated his life to empowering voices and driving social change. Through stories from the field and actionable insights, Cameron will explore the legacies of people-power around the world and examine the innovations they offer for the rich tradition of community organizing in the United States.

Cameron Conner is a Thomas J. Watson Fellow researching international methods of community organizing and self-governance. Originally from Eastern Washington, he comes to this work as a former organizer with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) and with a background in international disaster relief. He has built coalitions between schools, faith-based institutions, nonprofits, and policymakers to address issues ranging from predatory payday lending practices and immigration reform to healthcare access and housing conditions.