Take Action Inc.’s Annual Education to Action Workshop Series Empowers Youth To Create Collective, Transformative Change

Take Action Inc., led by Co-Founder and President Eshaan Kothari, kicked off its annual education to action series this year, building from the informative, interactive workshops they have hosted in the past with partners March for Our Lives, Indigenous People’s Movement, One Up Action, and more. Through these amazing guest speaker sessions, Take Action Inc. helps inform its youth activist network on social justice issues to take action effectively.

This August,Take Action Inc. had the privilege of hosting a series of enlightening workshops, two of which featured NARF’s Assistant Director of Development, Dallin Maybee. In a world that often overlooks the voices and rights of Indigenous communities, organizations like the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) stand as beacons of justice and advocacy. These workshops were designed to shed light on NARF’s groundbreaking work in environmental law, water law, racial justice, voting rights, and religious protection. A crucial “Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States Teach In” hosted by Take Action Inc. provided participants with a historical and legal foundation for understanding the importance of NARF’s advocacy.

For more than five decades, NARF has been at the forefront of the fight to protect Native American rights, resources, and lifeways through litigation, legal advocacy, and unparalleled legal expertise. The recent workshops not only highlighted NARF’s impressive achievements but also emphasized the significance of acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in the United States.

Diving into NARF’s Achievements

The centerpiece of Take Action Inc.’s recent workshops was a discussion with Dallin Maybee, NARF’s Assistant Director of Development. Mr. Maybee provided a comprehensive overview of NARF’s work, touching upon key areas where the organization has made substantial contributions to the advancement of justice and equity.

1. Environmental Law: NARF’s commitment to environmental protection and preservation of natural resources was a focal point of the discussion. They have been actively involved in cases that address issues such as tribal land rights, water rights, and environmental conservation. NARF’s work in this area not only benefits Indigenous communities but also has far-reaching implications for the broader environmental movement.

2. Water Law: The significance of water rights and access to clean water cannot be overstated. NARF’s efforts in advocating for water rights for Indigenous communities have been instrumental in ensuring that these vital resources are not unjustly taken away or polluted by crude oil pipelines. Their work has brought national attention to issues surrounding water access and protection.

3. Racial Justice: Addressing racial disparities and advocating for racial justice is a core principle of NARF’s mission. The discussion highlighted NARF’s involvement in cases that challenge systemic racism and discrimination faced by Indigenous communities, including the recent Supreme Court Case challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act. Their legal expertise has been instrumental in dismantling barriers and advancing the cause of racial justice.

4. Voting Rights: NARF has played a crucial role in protecting the voting rights of Indigenous people. Through legal advocacy and litigation, they have worked tirelessly to eliminate obstacles that hinder Indigenous communities from participating fully in the democratic process, such as gerrymandering. Their efforts have contributed to greater political representation for Native Americans.

5. Religious Protection: The freedom to practice one’s religion is a fundamental human right, and NARF has been a staunch defender of religious protection for Indigenous communities. They have litigated cases to safeguard sacred sites and ensure that Native American religious practices are respected and upheld.

The discussion with Dallin Maybee provided participants with a deep appreciation for NARF’s multifaceted work and its profound impact on Indigenous communities across the United States. It was a testament to the organization’s unwavering dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of Native Americans.

A Foundation of Understanding: A Teach-In on An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States

To provide participants with a robust context for understanding the importance of NARF’s work, Take Action Inc. organized an “Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States Teach-In.” This session was designed to lay a historic and legal foundation upon which the subsequent discussion with NARF’s Assistant Director of Development would be built.

The Teach-In, run by Eshaan Kothari, delved into the complex and often overlooked history of Indigenous peoples in the United States. It was a conscious effort to acknowledge the settler colonial history of the nation, one marked by the displacement and mistreatment of Indigenous communities. Drawing from the work of Cherokee historian Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz in her groundbreaking text, “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States,” participants were guided through key historical events, Indigenous resistance movements, and the enduring struggle for justice.

1. Settler Colonial History: The Teach-In began with an exploration of the settler colonial history of the United States. Participants learned about the arrival of European settlers, the impact of colonization on Indigenous societies, and the systematic dispossession of Native lands.

2. Indigenous Resistance Movements: Throughout American history, Indigenous communities have demonstrated resilience and resistance in the face of overwhelming challenges. The Teach-In highlighted key moments of Indigenous resistance, showcasing the strength and determination of Indigenous peoples.

3. NARF’s Advocacy: An integral part of the Teach-In was the examination of NARF’s advocacy efforts in the context of historical injustices. Participants learned how NARF’s legal expertise is instrumental in addressing the ongoingconsequences of colonization and advocating for the rights of Indigenous communities.

4. Action and Education Resources: The Teach-In also provided participants with valuable action and education resources. This included information on how to support Indigenous-led initiatives, recommended readings, and ways to engage in meaningful dialogue on Indigenous issues.

The Teach-In was not just an educational session; it was a call to action. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities and a commitment to being part of the solution.

The Power of Knowledge and Advocacy

Take Action Inc.’s recent workshops with NARF underscored the transformative power of knowledge and advocacy. By shedding light on NARF’s achievements and providing a historical foundation for understanding Indigenous issues, these workshops left a profound impact on participants.

One of the key takeaways from these workshops is the importance of acknowledging the past while working towards a more just and equitable future. The settler colonial history of the United States is a painful and deeply rooted chapter, but it is not the end of the story. Organizations like NARF are actively working to address historical injustices and protect the rights of Indigenous communities.

These workshops emphasized the role of informed advocacy in effecting change. NARF’s work serves as a powerful example of how legal expertise can be harnessed to challenge systemic injustices and promote justice, equity, and the protection of rights.

Take Action Inc.’s recent workshops with NARF provided participants with a profound understanding of the organization’s work and the historical context in which it operates. They highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing historical injustices while actively working towards a more just and equitable future.

The partnership between Take Action Inc. and NARF exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to address complex social and legal issues. It is a testament to the power of organizations and individuals coming together to create positive change.

Building from this momentum, Take Action Inc. is holding another workshop this October with Force of Nature, a UK-based, youth-led organization dedicated to sustainability and environmentalism, where they will teach participants about channeling climate anxiety into action. Be sure to check out more details about upcoming workshops on their website at www.takeactioninc.com/workshops.