Organzing with food

I am a bit of rebel. Troublemaker. Organizer.

Sometimes that means blockading a highway, riding in Critical Mass, offering a skill share, attending a vigil, supporting a political prisoner, hosting a community meeting or throwing a party. People often forget what essential, effective organizing tools food and good times are.

There is mixed and wonderful group of volunteers here. Not to mention the amazing, passionate and beautiful community of Ollantinos that graciously opened their arms for us gringos this summer. Those things can be the start of wonderful relationships, just given a spark and moment to connect. Ana Maria, mi mamita peruana, has the perfect house for gatherings with a large comedor, years of experience hosting groups of foreigners and an ideal patio for a bonfire. We hosted a beautiful despidida for 6 volunteers recently and my family threw a fantastic birthday dinner for me that was easily the best birthday I've ever celebrated outside of the states.

Tomorrow another evening bonfire will happen, functioning as a despidida and get together for everyone. These potluck parties, drinking extravaganzas, are magical moments of friendship building, community strengthening and laughter making machines. In those moments and experiences you find and build trust with people and relationships. With that trust people will support you when a change needs to happen or when someone has to stand up to the system. Sometimes I wish the left would do their organizing at dinner parties and potlucks. Imagine the progress we could make while drinking and eating deliciousness.