I've always wanted to do a campaign around people "gathering" together. Years ago, I pushed for a campaign for a major television maker called "Gather Around," which was never presented.
In elite circles, "gathering" seems to happen at "convening" events where the monied, "successful," and powerful meet in a far-off places; I once suggested a "People's Davos," but was quickly told why that could never happen.
Yet, during the following two weeks, I've seen gathering events pop up seemingly overnight -- or within a few days -- in a magnificent fashion. Last night we were able to choose between between Progressives for Harris, Elders for Harris and Comedians for Harris. Last Monday kicked off with the now famous White Dudes for Harris event, building on gatherings of Black women, Black men, LGBTQ people and White women -- I know I am missing many.
On the White Dudes event, more than 200,000 participated throughout the 3+ hour gathering, raising $4.2 million dollars that evening.
Two weeks, thousands engaged, millions raised.
Four learnings:
1. Gather around joy and for something.
2. Simplicity works better.
3. We can organize and mobilize with speed and efficiency...
4. ...and do in a way that is easily accessible and more kind to our planet.
I truly believe we have entered a new era, one of participation, where the many vs the few, can be included. And that they belong.
Caroline Dettman Julie Jack-Preisman Tina Kaiser Alan T. Kercinik Lorenz Esguerra Lauren Cohen Tara Rush Janelle Zwiren Matthew Gallagher Matthew McDermott Marc Johnson Jennifer Banovetz-Bastian GiGi Downs Bjorn Trowery Theresa McDonnell
—Learning and Development: Gap Modeling and Critical Opportunity Skill Solutions
3moExciting, 🎈