About

The Future Is for All of Us, No Exceptions

Using campaign messaging that acknowledges how race plays a role in our politics, we are working to create a better future for every one of us regardless of the color of our skin, our genders, or how we pray. We Make the Future Action (WMTFA) serves as an implementation home for the Race Class Narrative (RCN) and other empirically backed messaging. 

WMTFA was founded in 2021 and is built on the implementation work of Race Class Narrative Action with ASO Communications and Faith in Minnesota and rooted in Race Class Narrative research. 

Our goal is to increase the capacity of state, local and national partners to move a race forward narrative on our economy and democracy so they can make the case to voters on policy decisions that create a better future for all. Our process combines using researched backed messages with coalition building to develop and implement shared narratives that motivates our base voters and persuades the middle. 

In collaboration with partners, we do this by:

  • Building alignment among regional partners so they can move an empirically backed shared message that advances our vision for a multiracial democracy and pushes back at the strategic use of dog whistle racism

  • Facilitating workshops and other capacity building tactics

  • Collaborating on new research and sharing current research findings to aid groups in their campaign goals

  • Developing messaging guides, digital toolkits, and other narrative resources

  • Creating content (illustrations, ads, etc..) that demonstrates an effective narrative

  • Supporting the distribution of empirically backed narratives online and offline

We are building a diverse movement to reinstill hope in our democracy and build a brighter tomorrow. Learn about the work of We Make the Future, our ‎501(c)(3) organization, here.

THEORY OF CHANGE

Our vision is a multiracial democracy where freedom and justice are truly for all, regardless of race, gender, or zip code, and everyone has safe and happy lives.

To achieve our vision, we need durable infrastructure.

At WMTFA, durable infrastructure means strong organizations with staff skilled in delivering and echoing our shared narratives and messages in ways that inspire our base (those who are already with us) and persuadable audiences (those who can be with us) to take action.

As evidenced by many of our state partners’ successes, the best antidote to our opposition’s divisive strategies is to integrate race-forward, empirically based narrative strategy across both community organizing and communications tactics — we call this “layering” tactics — and focus these efforts at the local/state level.

WMTFA’s strategy to build this infrastructure is represented by three legs of a stool. Each leg represents a strategy we use to build narrative power with our partners. All three legs are required for the impact we seek.

Colorful 3D stool with three numbered legs: 1 yellow, 2 blue, 3 light blue, and a circular teal seat.

  • We commission research with partners to develop effective messages – based in RCN and other race, class, and gender-informed narratives – that inspire our base and persuadable audiences to take action.

    We host briefings to disseminate this research and work with partners to build their capacity to understand and conduct messaging research on their own.

  • We support organizations at the local, state, and national level to align on a shared narrative and train them to echo that shared narrative through a variety of mediums, from canvassing scripts to digital content.

    We do this by producing messaging guides and providing training, coaching, and peer support.

  • We create a bridge between research and implementation by working with partners to create and distribute content.

    We provide them with digital toolkits and free, adaptable content; and we share direct resources and wrap-around support (e.g., digital strategies, narrative guidance, messaging research, etc.) through our Implementation Boo$t program to amplify our shared narratives and messages to new audiences.

IMPACT REPORTS

Learn more about how we help our state partners build narrative power through research, alignment, and implementation.

Cover page of report titled 'This Is How We Win: Shifting the Narrative for a Better Future' with logo and text indicating it's a 2021-2022 Impact Report.
Cover of a 2023 impact report titled 'Building Narrative Power for a Just, Multiracial Democracy' with a blue and yellow illustration of a winding road, stylized clouds, and a rising sun logo with the text 'We Make the Future Action'.
Illustration of two hands holding a small plant with leaves, above a diverse group of people and trees, symbolizing environmental conservation and community action, with a sunset or sunrise in the background. Includes the text '2024 Annual Impact Report' and a logo for 'We Make The Future Action'.

CONTACT US

Reach out to info@wemakethefutureaction.us with your inquiry.

We frequently work on projects with ASO Communications. If you would like to know more about ASO's work, check out their website.

Read our accessibility statement.

WORKSHOPS / BRIEFINGS

Upcoming Public Workshops

Race Class Narrative Foundations

Thursday, February 5, 2:00 - 4:00pm ET / 11:00am - 1:00pm PT

Go beyond the terminology and explore how to leverage Race Class Narrative (RCN) and race-forward, empirically-based messaging research in this experiential workshop. Designed for communicators, organizers, and advocates alike, this interactive workshop goes beyond the terminology to RCN’s practical application. You’ll learn how to use RCN to strategically foster genuine connection, engagement, and mobilize action.

Applications are due by 5:00pm PT on January 26, 2026. Please take a moment to complete this application form.

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Creating Strong Narratives

2 Sessions: Thursdays, April 16 and 23, 1:00 - 4:00pm ET / 10:00am - 1:00pm PT

In this two part Race Class Narrative (RCN) workshop, we’ll reground you in the RCN framework, then dive into practice, drafting issue-specific narrative statements and getting feedback on strong communications practices that include race and class at every step.

Creating Strong Narratives is an in-depth training, designed for people ready to use RCN, and does not dive deep into the RCN data and audience strategy. Please only apply if you have previously attended an RCN Foundations (or similar) training. 

An application link will be available approximately one month before the workshop, check back in March to submit your application!

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Race, Class, and Canvassing That Connects

In person in May, more details coming soon!

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Beyond Urgency: Crafting Climate Justice Narratives That Mobilize and Win

Wednesday, September 16, 2:00 - 4:00pm ET / 11:00am - 1:00pm PT

Dive into research-backed messaging strategies that successfully weave racial justice into climate campaigns. But this workshop won't stop at theory – you'll put these messages into practice.

Rooted in our groundbreaking climate messaging research, participants learn how to use effective, race-forward, empirically-backed messaging in campaigns for clean air to breathe and water to drink, combating extreme heat, and winning public funds for climate solutions led by communities of color.

An application link will be available approximately one month before the workshop, check back in August to submit your application!

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Customized Workshop

Looking for a workshop experience that goes into greater detail and is customized for your team? Email us at info@wemakethefutureaction.us for pricing information.