Picking who you organize will the can be difficult. There are so many groups and ppl out there yelling for the cause right? You gotta pay close attention, ask the right questions. First, look for consistency.

Organizing attracts some very manipulative personalities and dangerous egos. Ppl love to lie about relationships they have w/ ppl and projects. I worked w/ someone for years who told me they were close w/ many, but I found out later it was a lie. I didn't know ppl did that then.

You wanna do your own research. You wanna look at the work ppl claim to do and follow up. Ask lots of questions, "when did you begin? What got you into this?" Listen closely to responses. Are they bragging a lot? Are they super saviour-y?

Do they meet a lot but don't interact often w/ the ppl they claim tonight for? Where do they show up? Does it seem they only make it out to large actions w/ media? Do they have a ton of interviews but no one to back up the work they've done or affected?

Do they read almost exclusively white, European theorists? Do they not read at all and shirk it off? What's their analysis like? Do they actually have one or do they seem to just talk a lot?

What will helpmyou most though, is being solid in YOUR analysis. You should be studying and talking with others and working to fully grasp what it is you want to do. Because if you don't, ppl WILL take advantage. ESPECIALLY if you're a warm personality.

If you're a personality that ppl flock to, be especially careful. Some toxic ppl in the "organizing community" seek that out to manipulate and control for themselves. They will try to use you to push their projects and they will abuse their power over you. So take care.

It helps me to see ppl plbeing consistent. You have to earn my trust and energy now. Like, if someone says they do a lot, maybe hang w/ them for a week. What tasks do they take on? How do they show up for people? And what do others say about them? Do others mention their work?

I was w/ a homie the other day who works w/ ppl struggling w/ housing insecurity and unger and addiction. We couldnt walk down the street w/o someone stopping us to thank them. Like, actual ppl on the street. That's the shit I look for.

I have a personality and energy that attracts abusers. I had to learn a very hard lesson last year. Those lessons hurt and you only have to "learn" them if you're not listening to yourself and others. Many ppl warned me and tried to help, but I was stubborn. Don't be like me.