🌱 Decolonizing Marketing vs. Storytelling

Hey y'all, welcome back! 👋🏼

Today, I share more about what decolonized media can look like and why we need to move towards healthier alternatives from Big Tech and billionaire-owned media. Plus actions against Congress' mega bill. Read on for more...

In Case You Missed It: 
🌱 for activists: 🌱 Creating Media & Tech Amidst Rising Fascism
📚 for communicators: 📚 Gone Fishin' for a Grounded Nervous System

Help Us Extend Our Impact

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• 🗞️ The AI Poison Pill in Congress' Budget Bill (Tech Policy) - See actions in resources below!
• 🎬 Vivian Wilson Takes Back Her Story from Her Creepy Dad (Matt Bernstein, Queer Elder)
• 🗞️ RFK and Anti-Vaxxers Limiting New COVID/Flu Vaccine (NY Times)
• 🗞️ “How come I can’t breathe?” Musks's xAI Poisoning Memphis (Politico)
• 📕 The AI Con by Dr. Emily Bender and Alex Hana is Exposing AI Hype

• ☎️ Call Congress Against Budget Bill (Poor People's Campaign)
• ✍🏼 Week of Action! June 15-21 Too Hot for a Fascist Future (Get Free)
• 🎟️ Branding & Dreaming Check-in Workshop (the roots of change agency)
• 📒 Decolonizing Media & Tech Zine - download or print your own copy!

Decolonizing Marketing vs. Storytelling

Part III: Building A New Media Ecosystem, Old Roots for New Growth

I sat down with Bold Journey Magazine earlier this year to talk about my election experience and why I’m building a decolonized media ecosystem and communications agency. My life experiences have been nothing short of interesting and have prepared me to be an organizer in this moment of rising fascism and growing climate collapse. I hope you enjoy my story!

On November 7, 2020, I had a vision for an agency & media ecosystem to support heart-first humans as activists and social change communicators. I was snowed in and stuck in Big Bear on the day it was announced Biden/Harris would make it to the White House. I was relieved, but worried. They had narrowly won against a clear threat.

I quit what had been a dream job, a senior position in an ad agency for Big Tech, to build a decolonized communications & media agency that supports activists, movement leaders, and social change communicators. the roots of change agency now supports thousands of folks who are moving our world forward across our newsletter, podcast, memberships, gatherings, and coaching support.

I love working with folks to expand their capacity by being more creative and strategic. My favorite part is witnessing the excitement when folks see how a decolonized view of communications transforms their daily work with more imagination and energy.

We just released our private podcast feed that I’m very excited about. On the roots of change podcast, I talk with organizers and communicators who are cultivating change differently to combat the threats we face, while creating a liberatory world. Introducing a separate private feed lets guests feel more comfortable sharing insights away from the prying eyes of Big Tech so that we can offer a deeper understanding of our world, actionable ideas for our activism, and insights into building strategies to meet the moment.

As Sam Cooke aptly said, change is a comin’

no matter what people in leadership today say. And that’s what the roots of change agency is here for. To support us navigating change, while staying human.

Election Reflections to Explain Rising Fascism

Experiencing the first 100 days of Trump has been especially interesting, because I’ve expected his regime’s response. In some ways, I pre-grieved on the campaign trail while I was driving across Arizona and Nevada. Despite the forewarning, it’s still tough to be alive and experience the changing world order.

Over my Southwest roadtrip for the election, I recorded Captains Logs (almost) every day as a way to check-in with myself throughout the trip. My reflection on October 25 in Hilltop Campground just outside of Las Vegas pretty much sums up my beliefs around the election, our current world, and how we actually build towards a liberatory world. It was the coldest night of our camping trip! 🥶

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/QOBfQOMDC-s

Zines to Decolonize Media

I've found it challenging to explain how the tech ethos works and how it corrupts our digital (& offline) experiences. So instead of explaining, I created a zine to visualize it! You can download or print your own zine via this Proton Drive link (it's more private & secure)!

I also invite you to share and promote across social media! As you know, the algorithms are heavily limiting any kind of creators that speak out against the new regime. Any likes, re-shares, and comments can help more folks see our resources and tap into creating change in a decolonized way. We still post occasionally on 💼 LinkedIn and 📸 Instagram, but you can find me more often on 🐂 Mastodon and 🦋 Bluesky.

Next week: Indiginizing Economic Models for Reciprocity

🌱 Seedling Member Zone

Hope is an Action!

It's really easy to feel hopeless in this moment. But I'm constantly reminded when I'm out in community and organizing with others that hope is an action. When we act for change, we can feel more hopeful, because we know we are moving in alignment with our values and with others. Watch & follow on YouTube.

And that's a wrap on this week’s newsletter! We hope you found this helpful in your work. Forward this to a friend and help democratize communications! If you have any topics you want covered, questions, or curious about our Assist an Activist program, please reach out and let me know.

In Solidarity,
Sam Chavez
the roots of change agency