A Matter of Survival: Organizing to Meet Unmet Needs and Build Power in Times of Crisis
by Shailly Gupta Barnes and Jarvis Benson
A Matter of Survival: Organizing to Meet Unmet Needs and Build Power in Times of Crisis is a bold and urgent report that unearths the extraordinary networks of care that have sustained communities through the pandemic and beyond. Drawing on insights from more than 40 leaders and 35 grassroots organizations, the report offers a framework for “projects of survival,” as well as recommendations for activism, organizing, social justice ministry and philanthropy today.
Both a roadmap and a rallying cry, the report reveals how survival organizing can transform into a powerful movement for systemic change. Indeed, as political extremism threatens democracy and economic inequality deepens, amid climate breakdown and escalating violence, this report challenges us to see beyond mere survival—to reclaim power, mobilize communities, and demand a just future for all.
This isn’t just a reflection on the past—it’s a call to action for the battles ahead.
Download the Report:
Resources from the 2024 Survival Summit
In October 2024, the Kairos Center convened a Survival Summit, bringing together organizers, faith leaders, cultural workers, scholars and policy researchers to discuss how the day-to-day work of meeting basic needs can anchor a broad-based movement to end poverty and systemic injustice.
Day One Panel Discussion
Listen to experts on the economy, militarism, the rise of authoritarianism and Project 2025, alongside religious leaders and organizers, offer a concrete analysis of the current context and how our movements and organizations are responding.
Survival Strategies Cultural Playlist
This collection of video and songs from the Survival Summit brings together movement music borne out of the struggles and crises of our times.
Survival Strategies Compilation Video
Set to the music of Arnaé Batson singing “Give Your Hands to Struggle,” this video features images of survival organizing in response to and since the pandemic, including from many of the organizations, churches and networks interviewed for the Matter of Survival report.