Chapter Organizations + Empathy Circles
Speaker:  Zak Wear  (15 min) 

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Otter.ai - Zak Wear 

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/uhKprckD3j8O5Yy4MdrtTux9XtQ?view=summary

Zak Wear, founder of Potluck in Action, discussed the role of empathy circles in fostering a culture of empathy within political organizations. He emphasized the differences between chapters and partnerships, noting that chapters focus on building community and relationships, while partnerships address complex political differences. Wear provided a fictional example of the Victoria Conversations chapter, which formed the Anti-Corruption Partnership to support candidates free from special interest donations. Despite internal disagreements and external challenges, the chapter successfully navigated partisan politics, endorsing candidates across parties and maintaining a constructive environment.

Action Items

Outline

Introduction and Overview of Empathy Circles

• Cara Wilson introduces Zak Weir, highlighting his role as an empathy circle facilitator and founder of Potluck in Action.

• Zak Weir corrects the name of his organization and introduces the topic of exploring opportunities in chapter organizations and partnerships.

• The mission is to save democracy, with examples and anecdotes from the United States, inviting international contributions.

• The guide is open-source, focusing on the differences between chapters and partnerships, and their roles in empathy circles.
  
  

Chapters vs. Partnerships in Empathy Circles

• Zak Weir explains that chapters are more about building a culture of empathy, while partnerships handle more complex differences.

• Chapters facilitate a constructive culture where the general public feels empowered to participate.

• Partnerships can be simple or complex, forming coalitions with businesses and nonprofits, promoting mutual power, responsibility, purpose, and respect.

• Chapters are the primary incubators for partnerships, but they do not have to endorse them.
  
  

Fictional Example: Victoria Conversations Chapter

• Zak Weir presents a fictional chapter, Victoria Conversations, with 300 members from various backgrounds.

• The chapter hosts events weekly, candidates' forums, and is broadcasted on public access television.

• Members discuss the issue of money in politics, leading to the formation of the Anti-Corruption Partnership (ACP).

• The ACP supports candidates who accept campaign contributions only from the people of Texas.
  
  

Formation and Challenges of the Anti-Corruption Partnership

• The ACP endorses both a Democrat and a Republican candidate in the primaries, facing challenges from Texas for Life.

• The pro-life partnership is formed as a compromise, enabling Texans for Life to endorse the Republican candidate, Luke Avery.

• The chapter deals with a group of Neo-Nazis forming the White Fist Partnership, which is voided due to the leader's violent history.

• The chapter continues its operations, and Luke Avery wins the general election, becoming the first empathy circle facilitator in Congress.
  
  

Impact and Growth of Partnerships

• Sophia Luna, the Democratic candidate, congratulates Luke Avery and prepares for another run for the House seat.

• The ACP endorses Luna for the upcoming US Senate seat, with Avery among her first endorsers.

• Avery's endorsement of a Democrat brings national attention to the race.

• The ACP grows in membership, and new partnerships form, enabling smoother collaboration and political action.
  
  

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Zak Weir emphasizes the importance of building partnerships across political lines to hold elected officials accountable.

• Partnerships help members see and engage with what they agree on and find most important.

• The conversation concludes with Speaker 1 expressing appreciation for Zak Weir's insights on full spectrum politics and empathy.

• Zak Weir thanks the audience for the opportunity to share his thoughts.