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
Dave Robin
Senior Digital Strategist
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.
Read our accessibility statement.
WORKSHOPS / BRIEFINGS
Upcoming Public Workshops
Race Class Narrative Foundations
Wednesday, March 5, 2-4pm ET / 11am-1pm PT
Go beyond the terminology and explore how to leverage Race Class Narrative (RCN) and race-forward, empirically-based messaging research in this experiential workshop. Designed for communicators, organizers, and advocates alike, this interactive workshop goes beyond the terminology to RCN’s practical application. You’ll learn how to use RCN to strategically foster genuine connection, engagement, and mobilize action.
Applications are due by 5:00pm PT on February 19, 2025. Please take a moment to complete this application form.
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How Narrative Strategies Build Power: Shaping the Debate, Not Just Reacting to It
Thursday, March 27, 2:00 - 3:30pm ET / 11:00am - 12:30pm 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. This workshop helps organizers and communicators like you shape the debate and build the narrative power we need to win!
An application link will be available approximately one month before the workshop, check back in late February to submit your application!
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Creating Strong Narratives
2 Sessions: Wednesdays, May 21 & 28, 1:00 - 4:00pm ET / 10:00am - 1:00pm PT
In this two part Race Class Narrative (RCN) workshop, we’ll reground you in the RCN framework, then dive into practice, drafting issue-specific narrative statements and getting feedback on strong communications practices that include race and class at every step.
Creating Strong Narratives is an in-depth training, designed for people ready to use RCN, and does not dive deep into the RCN data and audience strategy. Please only apply if you have previously attended an RCN Foundations (or similar) training.
An application link will be available approximately one month before the workshop, check back in April to submit your application!
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Beyond Urgency: Crafting Climate Justice Narratives That Mobilize and Win
Wednesday, July 23, 2:00 - 4:00pm ET / 11:00am - 1:00pm PT
Dive into research-backed messaging strategies that successfully weave racial justice into climate campaigns. But this workshop won't stop at theory – you'll put these messages into practice.
Rooted in our groundbreaking climate messaging research, participants learn how to use effective, race-forward, empirically-backed messaging in campaigns for clean air to breathe and water to drink, combating extreme heat, and winning public funds for climate solutions led by communities of color.
An application link will be available approximately one month before the workshop, check back in June to submit your application!
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How Narrative Strategies Build Power: Shaping the Debate, Not Just Reacting to It
Wednesday, October 1, 1:00 - 2:30pm ET / 10:00 - 11:30am 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. This workshop helps organizers and communicators like you shape the debate and build the narrative power we need to win!
An application link will be available approximately one month before the workshop, check back in August to submit your application!
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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.