Part of what I ultimately want to build as an organizer is a relational culture. more than anything else, that’s what’s important to me about organizing — notwithstanding the seductions of consumer culture. Here, largely for my own reference, is my running consumer vs. relational comparison.
Relational / Consumer
Respect / Friendliness
Self-interest / Doing a favor
Negotiation / Request, Ask
Power Over / Power Among
Justice / Charity
Invest, Buy, Own / Give, Donate, Contribute
Strategy / Consensus
Do / Hope, Try, “Do Our Best,” “Make an Effort to”
Commitment / Goal
Accountability / Inclusiveness
Conversation / Interview, Announcement, Command, Reminder, Inform, Make Aware
Invite, Proposition / Publicize
Expectation / Gratitude
