The 12 Steps to Transforming Yourself and the World

  1. Courageous Conversations
  2. Respond vs. React
  3. Nothing Is Fixed
  4. Say Yes to Imagination
  5. Forgive Actively, Not Passively
  6. Allow Yourself to Feel
  7. Commit to Not Harming or Abusing Others
  8. Practice Accountability
  9. Embrace Non-Reformist Reform
  10. Build Community
  11. Value Interpersonal Relationships
  12. Fight the U.S. State Rather Than Make It Stronger

We will discuss each of these principles in the pages that follow. Each principle or step that I explain will be followed by six sections that I think will be helpful:

What to Read/Watch/See/Hear: There are many ways to illustrate each principle here. Sometimes it’s a great album, sometimes it’s a novel, book, scholarly journal article or podcast. I’ll give you some thoughts on how to extend your practice on the topic.

What I Know: I’ve had many experiences that have informed the principles I try to practice daily. I am continually realizing how the principles ring true for me. For each principle, I’ll give you my personal thoughts.

What You Know: I learn from the experiences of others who have shared them with me. It’s these everyday experiences that help us see how an abolitionist practice truly works.

Those Who Can, Show: There are stories from those within the movement, those whose stories I know, respect and use as a compass. I’ll share these, and I’m sure they’ll have the same impact for you.

How We’ll Grow: Many of the principles in this book are heavy lifts. I don’t expect you to be able to start having courageous conversations or using your imagination after reading a few chapters. I’ve worked in this social justice movement for over 20 years, and honestly some of these principles are second nature for me. Even so, I have to work on these principles every day. You will, too. I welcome you to explore and grow here.

The Real World: For each principle, I’ll share a real-world scenario. I mean, even abolitionists make Target runs sometimes. It’s complicated. These sections will encompass what these ideals look and feel like in our day-to-day lives.

To begin our journey, let’s start with courageous conversations. This is a fundamental chapter because any part of abolitionist praxis includes meaningful and thoughtful communication. Learning how to communicate with the people you live, work and interact with every day will be critical to your work as an abolitionist.

Let’s get courageous.