1. Describe two ways in which you think grassroots organizing can be more effective and two ways
it can be less effective than organizing by more mainstream organizers or organizations?
2. Compare and contrast one recent mainstream (e.g., New York Times, network or cable news
program, etc.) and one alternative (e.g., a blog, community newspaper, WBAI 99.5 FM or other
public radio program, etc.) media analysis of a significant health issue in public discourse today.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented by each source? On what do
they agree and disagree? How would you evaluate the veracity, strategic merits, and act on the
“intelligence” offered by either source?
12. Since the election of Trump in November 2016, there has been a concerted effort to roll back many
of the public health gains of the Obama Administration, most notably the Affordable Care Act.
How has or how do you anticipate your chosen health issue been impacted, thus far, by the
proposed or implemented policies of the Biden Administration? What community organizing
strategies are being utilized to enhance, resist or minimize the effects of federal policies?
13. Share your personal story of how a community organizer, an artist or cultural worker has inspired
your own interest and/or involvement in social justice work?
3. What are your thoughts about the ability of recent social movements (such as Occupy Wall
Street, #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, March for our Lives, Climate Action Network, Transgender
Visibility, Prison Abolition, etc.) to influence community and public health in the United States
(or beyond)?
4 While running for office in 2021, Mayor Eric Adams promised to create more affordable housing,
significantly improve NYC schools, revamp public health, and take on climate change. In what
ways do you think community organizing had an impact on the priorities and agenda of the current
mayor of New York City and his administration and what are the implications for health equity?
In what ways have you been satisfied and/or dissatisfied with the Adams’ Administration’s
response to your chosen health issue and what would you like Mayor Adams to do - more of the
same or something different – in regard to your issue?
5. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented both familiar and new challenges to community
organizers. How have those who are organizing to address your chosen health issue had to
recalibrate during this time?