“How do we transform from a world of domination and extraction
into a world of regeneration, resilience,
and interdependence?” —The Movement Stategy Centeraka, How are we gonna survive the collapse of these here times? How are we gonna carry each other through?
In this moment, singing together is a deeply anti-fascist practice
to help us live towards getting free.
“You’re always practicing something. So you’re either practicing upholding the world as it is, or you’re practicing shifting into the world as you want it to be.”
-adrienne maree brown
I’m Liz Digitale Anderson.
I train up songleaders
and lead community singing for the revolution:
A world where all are free, loved, and have what we need to thrive.
Why do our movements need singing?
- Singing together *changes* us. Every time we sing, we practice.
- Songs help us internalize new ideas, vision, and messaging, reminding us where we want to go.
- Songs are direct seeds for sowing culture change: they are the original viral social media.
- Singing activates our vagus nerve, telling our bodies we are safe, and regulates our nervous systems—invaluable in direct actions.
- Raising our voices together is powerful, anchoring our joy, grief, and courage as an antidote to despair.
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The unions knew it, when they were founded. The Black Freedom Struggle (aka the Civil Rights Movement) knew it. The South African struggle against apartheid knew it. The Poor People’s Campaign knows it. You know it somewhere deep in your bones too.
Why practice *community* singing?
- Singing in community is a vastly different experience than for performance, or than singing alone in your shower.
- Singing is something EVERYONE can participate in, not just Beyoncé: every voice is welcome.
- Community singing is accessible to all: songs are taught call & echo, no sheet music needed.
- Singing together literally connects us—science shows it synchronizes our heartbeat and breathing, aligning our bodies and emotions.
- The songs help us access our joy, our grief, and our resilience together, reminding us that we’re not alone.
Singing Together
Bolsters our joy, breathes our resilience
Helps us access our grief,
Strengthens our courage for the work to come,
And holds the vision-fire of the new world
We are growing in the ashes of the old.
Good Friday Public Grief Ritual for Palestine on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol. Song is “Over/Under” by A-Rhodd and Lyndsey Scott. Click through on Vimeo for the full story and links to support the songcatchers <3
Other links to learn more: “Over/Under” by A-Rhodd and Lyndsey Scott.
