About
The future is the sum of the changes we demand, the courage we display, and how we stand with and for each other.
We Make the Future (WMTF) was founded in 2021 and is built on the implementation work of Race Class Narrative Action with ASO Communications and Faith in Minnesota and rooted in Race Class Narrative research.
WMTF serves as an implementation home for the Race Class Narrative (RCN) and other empirically backed messaging. Our goal is to increase the capacity of state, local and national partners to move a race forward narrative on our economy and democracy so they can make a compelling case for a better future for all. By combining empirically based messaging and coalition building we partner on the development and distribution of shared narratives rooted in place that motivate our base and persuade the middle.
In collaboration with partners, we do this by:
Building alignment among regional partners so they can move an empirically backed shared message that advances our vision for a multiracial democracy and pushes back at the strategic use of dog whistle racism
Facilitating workshops and other capacity building tactics
Collaborating on new research and sharing current research findings to aid groups in their campaign goals
Developing messaging guides, digital toolkits, and other narrative resources
Creating content (illustrations, ads, etc..) that demonstrates an effective narrative
Supporting the distribution of empirically backed narratives online and offline
Together, we are rewriting the rules.
Our Work
We are building a multiracial movement across age, class, faith, and zip code to reinstill hope in our democracy and build a brighter tomorrow. Learn more about what we do and the movement to build a place where everyone is safe and free, no exceptions.
Building Our Power
In partnership with local, national, and state organizations we work to build a cohesive narrative about the future that we want to see and the problems we wish to overcome. By supporting our partners — across labor, faith, philanthropy, and advocacy — we are implementing inclusive narrative approaches that speak to race and class.
Telling Our Story
Our narratives are based on rigorous research into perception and persuasion, and grounded in the Race Class Narrative. With our partners, we are making these resources available for you to use in your push to ensure all of us can freely cast our ballots, have clean air and water, and a home to make our memories in.
Delivering Our Vision
The future is what we do together. In collaboration with state and national campaigns, we tell the stories that bring our shared vision to life through cutting edge communications, digital content, and ads. This creative content is made available open source for adaptation and distribution.
MEET OUR TEAM
Anika Fassia
Co-Executive Director
Ernie Britt
National Narrative Officer
Pete Woiwode
Senior Capacity Builder
Tinselyn Simms
Co-Executive Director
Jordan Scrimger
Midwest Capacity Builder
Dennis Chin
Chief Strategy Officer
Matthew Armstead
Partnerships & Practice Manager
Joan Woods
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Walton Rea
Project Assistant
Alexis Tolbert
Southern Program Strategist
CONTACT US
Reach out to info@wemakethefuture.us with your inquiry.
We frequently work on projects with ASO Communications. If you would like to know more about ASO's work, check out their website.
WORKSHOPS / BRIEFINGS
Upcoming Public Workshops
How Narrative Strategies Build Power: Shaping the Debate, Not Just Reacting to It
Tuesday, May 21, 3:30 - 5:00 pm ET / 12:30 - 2:00 pm PT
Break free from the cycle of reactive rapid response, and learn how to build proactive narrative power to shape debates on your own terms.
Through concise examples and interactive scenarios, you'll examine how “narrative power” is a vital strategic approach that builds long-term power, rather than perpetually responding to opponents’ narratives.
You'll gain exposure to the latest race-forward messaging research on what actually mobilizes a large base of people to action and persuades conflicted people. Then together we’ll assess which ingrained habits and mindsets may be inadvertently holding us back from building a multi-racial democracy.
Don't resign yourself to perpetual reaction mode. In this 90 minute virtual workshop, gain strategic narrative tools to fundamentally shift how you operate, shape debates, and build power so we all thrive, no exception.
Register for How Narrative Strategies Build Power: Shaping the Debate, Not Just Reacting to It here!
———
BIPOC Creating Strong Narratives
2 Sessions: Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 13, 1:30 - 4:30 pm ET / 10:30 - 1:30 pm PT
———
Creating Strong Narratives
2 Sessions: Wednesdays, September 18 and 26, 1:00 - 4:00 pm ET / 10:00 - 1:00 pm PT
———
Race Class Narrative Foundations
Thursday, November 21, 2:00 - 4:00 pm ET / 11:00 - 1:00 pm PT
———
Customized Workshop
Looking for a workshop experience that goes into greater detail and is customized for your team? Email us at info@wemakethefuture.us for pricing information.