Author: Claudia Alick

Crip Time, Resilience Staffing, and Succession Planning

Calling Up Justice, a transmedia social justice arts organization, is dedicated to creating fair systems both internally and in collaboration with other institutions. We understand the increasing instability faced by our communities and partners due to the pandemic, economic uncertainties, and growing aggression against marginalized groups. Society often assumes specific abilities, and arts organizations demand non-stop work as if they expect superhuman abilities. To counteract these challenges, we prioritize crip time as a guiding principle in our scheduling and staffing. We also implement resilience staffing to ensure that multiple people can fulfill each role, which leads to shared leadership models and hiring backup individuals to step in if someone needs to step out, much like understudies in theater. We focus on growing and developing the skills and abilities of our team members, constantly recruiting and building new relationships to maintain a healthy pool of potential leaders. We recognize that everything is impermanent and plan accordingly, acknowledging that people’s presence cannot always be guaranteed. This is why shared leadership and developing leaders over time are essential.

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Statement for Claudia Alick’s Art Project “WHY MASK?”

Building upon the momentum of the march, Claudia Alick’s 2023 art project invites theaters and galleries to actively engage their audiences in a profound exploration of the WHY MASK? concept. In a time when many institutions and individuals have discarded COVID precautions, disregarding the concerns of the immunocompromised, it is imperative that we recognize the impact of such actions on accessibility and inclusivity.

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Star Trek and Calling Up Justice

As part of Calling Up Justice’s practice we reflect on widely distributed cultural productions to facilitate media literacy and explore larger ideas of social justice. Star Trek’s combination of a utopian future, allegorical storytelling, diverse representation, social commentary, and ethical exploration make it an excellent vehicle for discussing social justice. It invites viewers to envision a better future while critically examining the present and contemplating the changes necessary to achieve social equality and justice.

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Trek Talk

Maiamama regularly livestreams discussing Star Trek episodes and reading Star Trek books. Producer Claudia Alick and others join as guests. Current livestreams are Thursdays at 4:00PST on Calling Up Justice Twitch Channel.

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Trek Flights

Trek Flights was inspired by a wine flight. A Wine Flight is a selection of wine presented in a row for tasting. Often, this involves placing a few wine glasses with different types of white wine or red wine types on a special board for serving. 4-6 wines are typically in a flight. We started developing the concept under the banner of Trek Table and Calling Up Justice published these videos on tiktok.

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Finding Fulfillment in the Accessible Mundane

In a world consumed by imaginary utopias and the pursuit of perfection, it is crucial to recognize the value of the accessible mundane. Perfection is a myth propagated by Supremacy Culture, fostering unrealistic expectations. Instead, we should embrace imperfection and engage in the day-to-day creative work of meeting our needs in messy, imperfect ways that align with our capabilities.

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Flash Friday Talk

Calling Up Justice producers Claudia Alick and Maiamama produced Flash Fridat to CW’s the Flash, Supergirl, Black Lightning, Batwoman, and the entire Arrowverse. We covered Barry, Iris, Joe West, Wally and all the other characters we loved. This was a super fun spicy conversation about race, gender, disability and Copaganda.

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What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?

To celebrate the Fourth of July, organize a group reading of Frederick Douglass’ speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Start by selecting a suitable venue and time, then gather participants interested in discussing the historical significance of the speech. Distribute copies of the speech or share electronic versions. Assign reading roles and have participants take turns reading aloud. After the reading, facilitate a discussion to explore the speech’s impact and relevance today. Encourage participants to share their thoughts on challenging traditional views of the Fourth of July and applying the speech’s lessons to current social issues. Conclude with personal reflections and, optionally, provide refreshments for socializing and further conversations. Through this group reading, deepen understanding of American history and foster meaningful dialogue.

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