I was just assigned for one of my classes to read this report from my school’s Women of Color Policy Network: Leading at the Intersections: An Introduction to the Intersectional Approach Model for Policy and Social Change.

It’s the kind of document I wish I had come across during my undergrad days, as it is a pretty good introduction to not only the concept of intersectionality and understanding how our experiences are influenced by multiple identities/markers of difference (and the multiple oppressions that come along with them), but also how to begin incorporating that concept into all of your thinking on making change. It’s also a general overview of policy advocacy and movement-building strategy. I recognized a number of strategies that we encourage students to use:

When identifying partners, look for obvious and not so obvious allies and collaborators. Using an intersectional and multi-issue framework, an issue such as violence against women can be framed broadly and include issues related to health care, immigration, and the economy. As such, immigrant rights organizations, labor unions, and health care advocates can also sign on to the campaign.

Using an intersectional framework, it is likely to discover several root causes for an issue or problem. Tackle them by: unpacking and brainstorming the issue and looking at the various communities that may be impacted by it; examining the systems, structures, and institutions involved in maintaining or perpetuating the problem; and considering the ways race, class, gender, ethnicity, or class may be impacting the issue.

Definitely a great intro resource for organizers. Check it out.

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