Welcome to Notes on a Present Future
Hello, world. This is Notes on a Present Future, my newsletter uplifting the stories of people shaping the world to build just futures now.
A note from my desk
So I’ve launched a newsletter. Welcome.
Why a newsletter? I've started to spend less time on social media, finding myself increasingly disenchanted with its profit-driven algorithms, societal harms, and erosion of communities. I still believe social media platforms can provide some good: breaking news, the ability to push back against dominant narratives and disinformation, and finding a kindred spirit or two. But we’re living through a time when change is not just imminent but urgent, and the stakes are very high – and I feel the need to build connections beyond the confines of social media platforms.
This newsletter is an experiment in fostering community. I’m curating a space of shared hope highlighting the individuals, networks, and communities shaping our world for the better, and uplifting stories of people who are reframing the past, rebuilding the present, and reimagining the future.
The name “Notes on a Present Future” comes from my friend and collaborator, expert political strategist Karmen Ross, who very astutely pointed out the future isn’t out there, it’s already here.
What can you expect? Periodic mailings featuring a curated list of stories, ideas, and projects aimed at social transformation. The newsletter will be set up like this: A note from my desk; Updates: some of mine, and more importantly, updates from my friends and communities; and Recommendations from my reading, listening, and watching library.
Now, to the updates…
Updates
Mine:
Professional milestones. I celebrated two professional milestones this past year. The first was marking fifteen years as a social enterprise founder, which I spoke about on The Deep Dive podcast with Philip McKenzie. The second was the second anniversary of my latest venture, the Center for Transformational Change, which I wrote about here. Being a mid-career woman of color founder in the realms of human rights, humanitarian aid, and narrative/culture change is at once deeply rewarding and exceedingly challenging. (“One must imagine Sisyphus happy”....) I’ll return to writing about this again in the future.
A new role. A few months ago, I was honored to join the Capacity Council of Brown Girls Doc Mafia, an amazing 10-year-old organization working toward equity in the film industry by nurturing, amplifying, and investing in the creative capacity and professional success of BIPOC women and non-binary media creators. I’m looking forward to helping them start their second decade with a flourish.
New writing. Last month, I was on a panel called “In a Chaotic World of War, Conflict, Inequality, and Disasters, Is Love the Answer?” I've been thinking about the question since then, so I wrote a piece called Love as a Verb about using love to nurture collective justice and abundance and to embrace new political imaginaries. Let me know your thoughts.
Yours:
The Deep Dive new season. Speaking of Phil McKenzie, the latest season of his culture and insights podcast – consistently one of my favorites – released last month. Take a listen.
“Beyond Sustainability” report. As part of her Clore Leadership fellowship, Jessica Edwards wrote a report on radical re-imagination and creative responses to the climate. I was happy to be an early reader, and I highly recommend it.
Building future cultures. Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith of Changeist recently published “Future Cultures,” second in a series with their first book, “How to Future.” I was happy to be an early reader for Future Cultures, as well, and recommend both books for their tangible strategic steps on how to develop a strategic insights practice and make your organization future ready.
Prepare, don’t panic. The organization WITNESS has been doing incredible work for decades on the impact of emerging technologies on human rights, with a wealth of resources on the current discourse around generative AI. Sam Gregory, the organization’s ED, recently gave a TED talk, “When #AI can fake reality, who can you trust?”, worth viewing to hear how he lays out the steps we must take to fortify truth and protect critical voices.
Private tech, humanitarian problems. Giulio Coppi of Access Now has issued a report exploring the relationship between private tech companies and humanitarian organizations, elevating concerns about data privacy, transparency, and potential harm to vulnerable populations in the context of digital transformation. Basically, we need more transparency and human rights safeguards in humanitarian tech. Read the report to explore how.
Peace is loud. The organization Peace is Loud, which uses storytelling to activate grassroots power, has announced a program offering free impact consultations to and in solidarity with Palestinian documentary filmmakers. More information at the link.
Responsible AI for African Artists. I am proud to be a board member of the organization Electric South, which collaborates with artists across Africa in emerging storytelling, through labs, production, and distribution. Last year, the organization convened a group of African artists to discuss responsible AI and effective AI policies for the African XR ecosystem. Key insights will be shared in a digital toolkit on the Electric South website. Check back soon.
Metalabel. An incredible team of creative technologists just released Metalabel, a space where creative people can collaborate to release, sell, and exhibit creative work together. I can’t wait to experiment with their model.
Reading, watching, listening
Reading:
The Price of Humanity: How Philanthropy Went Wrong and How to Fix It, by Amy Schiller. I received a review copy of this book, which challenges conventional philanthropy by advocating for a broader understanding of humanity. Schiller critiques current philanthropic norms, such as objectification, cost-effectiveness, and self-interest for the donor, arguing that they dehumanize recipients and prioritize efficiency over deeper, more holistic benefits. This is a great book for anyone interested in interrogating capitalist frameworks of giving.
Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs: A Journey Through the Deep State, by Kerry Howley. I took this book out from the library and devoured Howley’s darkly funny, human, and startling (though, when you really dig down, unsurprising) take on the erosion of privacy, national security, and conspiracy theories.
Small Things Like These and Foster, by Claire Keegan. I was late coming to these two short novels. I read them back-to-back in a sort of breath-held reading sprint. They are simply stunning. I’ll leave you to discover them if you haven’t already.
Interruptr. For my dose of foreign policy insight and analysis (and other topics), I turn to Elmira Bayrasli’s newsletter elevating female expertise in typically male-dominated areas.
Watching:
Documentaries. This year’s crop of Oscar-nominated feature length documentaries are each fantastic in their own right. I recommend watching them, even (or especially) if you don’t care about the awards themselves.
The Traitors. I don’t watch much reality television beyond Great British Bake Off, but I've watched every English-language version of this competition show. (The brilliant Alan Cumming hosting the US version aside, the UK version is the best.) It’s campy, funny, and engaging– and reminds me of the nights we spent playing Werewolf at creative retreats. I am obsessed.
Listening:
Election Tricycle. An excellent new weekly podcast looking at the 2024 elections (of deep consequence, of course) in India, the UK, and the US.
Proof of Life, by Joy Oladokun. A sweet, warm, healing, and expansive album I’ve listened to on repeat. Love it.
See you again soon. In solidarity and joy, Lina
To work with us: Center for Transformational Change
To book me for speaking: My Chartwell Speakers Profile
To learn more about my work: www.linasrivastava.com
To support this newsletter, please visit this link
To ask to amplify your social transformation project, please email here
To reach me on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, Mastodon
You are on this list as a member of my community. If you would like to change how you receive this newsletter: Update your preferences or Unsubscribe from this list below.
Copyright 2024, Lina Srivastava. All rights reserved.