Citizen University TV: Community Organizing

05/16/18 • 28 min

Behind many important social and political movements are community organizers. Citizen University TV host Eric Liu examines an age-old tool of the art of civics with a look at how community organizing can upend the status quo and how simple acts can lead to powerful actions. He reviews the legacy of some well-known local leaders and looks at how people in the Northwest are responding to current crises surrounding addiction, hunger, gentrification and growth. Guest Katie Wilson, general secretary of the Transit Riders Union, discusses how the group's mission has expanded beyond public transit to include advocating for the rights of the working poor. Plus, sit in with us at a seminar co-hosted by Seattle's Somali Family Safety Task Force designed to help women targeted in our community because they are Muslim, minorities, immigrants, or all three.

Previous Episode

Citizen University TV: Time travel at Civic Saturday

Citizen University TV hits the road with a special presentation of Civic Saturday from the Northwest African American Museum. Host Eric Liu hits "rewind" with a fascinating journey back in time, decade by decade. Liu recounts pivotal moments in history when he had the foresight to warn people of what was to come. But his talk is more than a flashback. The lessons learned from Liu's time travel are revealed in five separate truths. Ultimately, he says hindsight is foresight if we know how to see. Civic Saturday is a community gathering that celebrates the American civic tradition with an address by Liu, readings, song and reflection.

Next Episode

Citizen University TV: Getting local government to do what you want

How do you get city hall to listen to your concerns? As we continue this season's civics lesson, host Eric Liu explains how to get the attention of local powerbrokers and what to do once you have their ear. He highlights successful workers' rights campaigns and talks with Clara Cantor of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, a volunteer organization that advocates for safe streets. Cantor recounts the long road to a recent victory that will result in improvements to Seattle's bike network.