VivirLatino

In case you weren’t aware, the anti-prison organization, Critical Resistance is currently holding a huge anniversary conference out in Oakland. In reaction to that conference, the following email is making the social justice listserve rounds. It’s a really profound email that calls for all social justice organizations in general and Critical Resistance specifically to reconsider their dependence on 501c3 model of organizing (which basically boils down to, you can’t make social justice movement making a business). It’s a really important analysis, one that all of us (cough cough, NCLR!) should deeply consider.

I think that we are at an important crossroads in how to move forward as a Movement. The Nonprofit Industrial Complex is extremely strong, and organization after organization has experienced the conflict between creating social justice in the world and sustaining a business—i.e. not challenging systems of oppression.

Critical Resistance is no exception. In fact, as a former staff member (Organizer of the Oakland Chapter), I saw how Critical Resistance was part of the Nonprofit Industrial Complex more than any other organization that I have worked with.

Read more…