Episode Nine: David Barrow and Thuy Nguyen, Big Deal, Part 2

The reMAKERs

People power is a nice slogan, but how do we actually do it? And can we do it effectively, without adding to the combustible anger and division in the world today?

There's some hard-won wisdom in our next episode of the reMAKERS — part two of our series on democracy and the new movie, Big Deal.

Organisers David Barrow and Thuy Nguyen of the Sydney Alliance tell us it’s understandable to be cynical about politics, but "if you're not at the table, you're on the menu.” So instead, they take us to school in this conversation — Community Organising school — and drawing on their own stories, show us how to go far, rather than fast.

David features memorably in the Big Deal movie, and this conversation both fires us up and delivers balm for the soul. It might just change the way you look at power, politics, community groups, religion and our role as everyday citizens.

To check out the movie, visit MakeItABigDeal.org.

Show Notes

Things we mention:

“What is organizing?” by Marshall Ganz (from intro)

“‘Always look up’: connecting community for a win against gas,” article by Millie Rooney, Australia reMADE

Learn more about community organising:

Australia: Queensland Community Alliance, Hunter Community Alliance, Sydney Alliance

UK: Citizens UK

USA and Canada: Industrial Areas Foundation

NZ: Living Wage NZ