Anthony Diaz, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Newark Water Coalition
My name is Anthony Diaz and I am the co-founder and executive director of the Newark Water Coalition. Newark Water Coalition (NWC) is a multi-ethnic and multigenerational grassroots organization that provides services as well as resources to the Newark community. The NWC has been serving the community since 2018. In the last year alone the Newark Water Coalition has distributed over 150,000 lbs. of food and over 100,000 gallons of water; serving over 20,000 community members annually. NWC has done academic research, published 3 papers and co authored a chapter in a machine learning textbook. One of our latest accomplishments is being featured in a temporary exhibit at the CDC museum in Atlanta.
These are the times of organizers. I am often asked, “What is an organizer? I usually say if you know, you know. Given the current political climate of things, I wanted to take this reflection to answer that question.
An organizer first and foremost is a dealer of hope. An organizer’s mind is geared towards solution-based thinking. An organizer is grounded in community. An organizer knows how to distinguish between good nonsense and nonsense. An organizer knows the difference between the weight of responsibility and the fear of responsibility.
An organizer knows who they are held accountable to and who they aren’t. An organizer does not shy away from transparency. An organizer knows valid critiques when they hear them. An organizer bears good fruit. An organizer knows that all events need food or snacks and definitely water. An organizer isn’t afraid to experience the full spectrum of their emotions. An organizer knows it’s about the work. An organizer dreams the biggest dreams and has a plan to get there.
Now is not the time of executive directors, boards, foundations or activists.
Now is the time for the organizer. Our movements with our organizers can manifest and build the reality of our choosing. As the old world dies and its systems that serve some but not all, a new world is born. A new world where all are served and all needs are met. A manifestation of the dreams and realities of organizers everywhere is the world I hope for and am organizing for. The question at this time is do organizers have the courage to see their ideals through no matter what adversity in whatever form it’s presented in. Evil has always existed in the world, whether it takes form in policy, in people or in funding its presence is there. Good has always existed as well. Our people have always found a way and we will continue to find a way. Organizers are dealers of hope. Have hope that you can continue to shine the brightest because the new world needs you now more than ever.
