Eighth Annual Nowak Lecture: Organizing DNA

Jeremy Nowak began his career as a community organizer, known for his ability to build power at the neighborhood and block level to achieve larger-scale change. His work was rooted in deep listening, relationship‑building, and the belief that ordinary people could transform their communities when given the tools to act. The practices he championed continue to shape organizers and campaigns today.

A recent New Yorker article explored the effectiveness of creating broad-based coalitions of independent, and often pluralistic units to drive change. Hyper local organizing allows for numerous leaders to emerge, build networks, and train others — an approach that is both energizing and accessible.

Today’s immigrant justice and community protection efforts draw on the same organizing DNA that Jeremy helped cultivate: local leadership, community ownership, and collective action rooted in trust. We’ve seen news coverage of effective community organizing in Minneapolis, Chicago, DC, and LA – and many similar efforts are gaining momentum in cities across the U.S., including in Jeremy’s hometown of Philadelphia.

This session will explore how Jeremy’s legacy lives on in current movements, and how his methods and insights remain relevant continue to the work of organizers today.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Reinvestment Fund