Personal Philosophy

My politics are this: I believe in the liberation of all people, of all places, of all times. Anything that interferes with that liberation must be challenged and overturned. This includes external forces like social, cultural, political, and economic systems. But it also includes internal forces that inhibit our emotional and psychological selves.

I also wonder if even this framework is too narrow, as argued by my vegan and nonhuman liberationist friends. That is to say, I recognize the symbiotic nature of all life and believe that everything is part of a larger whole. A better world can only be achieved by acting on that interconnection. We are fallible creatures, but I find it hard to believe that our current society is the best that we can do. I thus fight for transformative social change.

My influences are diverse and far reaching: the feminist notion that the personal is political; the Black Power anthem of all power to the people; the Hindu greeting that the god in me recognizes the god in you (Namaste); and Abbie Hoffman's "revolution for the hell of it" . . . not only is it the right thing to do, but it also feels good to unleash the life forces that seek a better world.

My political ambitions are lofty and I'll never see the world that I want—it might take thousands of generations to achieve a world of horizontal relations, mutual respect and appreciation, and collective liberation. But the change begins with each of us, and when future generations look back they'll know that some of us acted for the greater good. It is from this orientation that I envision efforts for social change as part of an ongoing historical struggle that bends toward justice and liberation.

Jason is available for face-to-face and virtual talks and workshops. Scroll down for some general areas and examples that can modified and adapted. Feel free to reach out for further details.

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Talks and Workshops

General Areas/Topics:

Understanding Social Movements

The Purpose of Political Protest

Theories and Practices of Social Justice

Individual Action vs. Collective Action

Rhetoric for Radicals

Sample Talks

  • Social Movement Literacy

    Overview: Very few people outside of activists and specialized academics have the wherewithal to understand the nature and function of social movements. Social Movement Literacy addresses this gap as an issue of public pedagogy: How can we improve the public’s ability to properly “read and understand” the tactics, histories, motivations, and goals of social movements?

  • Examining Privilege

    Overview: This workshop uses self-reflective exercises to highlight our differing relationships to power, privilege, and oppression. How might “unearned benefits” manifest themselves in everyday interactions? In what contexts are you the privileged and/or under-privileged? How can we resist and change such power dynamics? What wider social systems are perpetuating these relations? How can start dismantling these systems?

  • Communicating Justice

    Overview: This workshop helps activists and organizers to become effective communicators. Possible topics include: public speaking, persuasion, argumentation, storytelling, street theater, nonverbal communication, rhetorical strategy, messaging, and the development of new political vocabularies. This workshop can range from a few hours to a few days and can be very general or tailored to specific wants and needs.

  • Art and Activism

    Overview: How do activists use symbolism and aesthetics to capture the public’s attention and expand our understanding of political possibilities? This talk addresses this question by analyzing the relationship between art, activism, and the political imagination. Contemporary and historically famous examples are examined (the Climate Justice Movement and the Black Panther Party, for instance).

  • Campaigning 101

    Overview: This is a crash course of how to organize public campaigns for social change. Topics include: choosing and narrowing your campaign’s focus; conducting background research; designating power-brokers, allies, and enemies; recruitment, outreach, and coalition building; setting realistic goals; and outlining a strategy and tactics. This workshop can range from a few hours to a few days and can be a general overview (how to get started) or tailored to specific needs (like a consulting workshop).