GROUNDSWELL: ORAL HISTORY FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
6 March 2013
Sarah K Loose, coordinator of the Rural Organizing Project, Oregon which was highlighted in the previous issue of the journal, reports on an oral history event she organised in New York in September.
‘In our struggles for justice our stories and our histories are sources of power and strength. They inspire and motivate in moments of defeat or uncertainty and build empathy across lines of difference. They show a way forward, highlighting tactics and strategies that result in lasting change. Sharing our stories can empower, awaken, and transform.
‘Since the 1970s, oral history has been recognized as an invaluable method for preserving the largely undocumented stories of social movements and their actors. Today, hundreds of archives and interview projects document the history and voices of marginalised communities and of feminist, queer, environmental and civil rights activists.
‘Less explored, however, is the powerful role that oral history can play in not only documenting radical social change, but actively contributing to it. The Groundswell: Oral History for Social Change retreat on 15-16 September 2011 in New York brought together a group of fifteen oral historians, cultural workers and community organisers who are experimenting with precisely that: the use of oral history as a method for building movements and effecting transformative change. Organised with a community building focus and popular education approach, the retreat created space to share our own stories and explore the ethical and practical questions we face in our practice. Issues of accountability, ownership, and collaboration factored prominently in the discussions.
‘There are plans for a series of activities and gatherings to continue the dialogue and expand the Groundswell network.
• To learn more, visit:www.oralhistoryforsocialchange.org or e-mail: sarahloose@gmail.com
Participants at the Groundswell event in September 2011.
Participants Daniel Kerr and Gabriel Solis in discussion during the Groundswell event.
Source: ORAL HISTORY, Spring 2012, p. 30
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