How to Build Collective Power: Good Organizing with Sulma Arias

Conflict Decoded Podcast

Show Notes We have good reason to feel scared about what’s happening nationally and globally. And yet, as Sulma Arias, Executive Director of Peoples’ Action, reminds us in this week’s podcast, there are so many incredible opportunities for change in our own local communities. Whether it’s removing lead from the school playground or installing a stop sign where the kids are playing, we often have the most power to create change at home. And when we build relationships with our neighbors, we also build the power to win the next fight and thrive together. Sulma Arias brings a vision and optimism that serves as an inspiring salve for these times. Listen in and gain inspiration for how you might build power toward change in your community. About Sulma: Sulma immigrated to Kansas from El Salvador at the age of 12 and ultimately went on to lead Sunflower Community Action, where she trained organizers and built a base of volunteers to fight for driver’s licenses and tuition access for immigrants and fighting harmful policies during the Kris Kobach era. Sulma worked for (National) People’s Action on national campaigns and strengthening community organizing and also led the Fair Immigration Reform Movement in the fight for immigration reform and against the harmful policies coming out of the Trump administration for years. Sulma took over as Executive Director of People’s Action in 2022 and is leading the charge to build a nationwide Organizing Revival to rebuild and reinvigorate the field of organizing to build community power across the country. Get involved: PeoplesAction.org Read: The Antidote to Authoritarianism Receive Love Letters to Changemakers: To receive new episodes to your inbox along with other nourishment for the fight ahead, subscribe to Love Letters for Organizers.