theory of change

[Image description: A three column visual of Resist's Theory of Change. The white column shows half of a naked black tree and outlines "The Problem", the middle red one shows dandelions and outlines the solution, and the grey column on the right shows a black fern and outlines Resist's role in making change happen.]

The problem

White supremacy, patriarchy, heteronormativity, capitalism and Christian hegemony continue to harm and divide our communities and our movements. These compounding systems of control are extractive to people, destroying our planet, and weighing on the spiritual fabric of all communities. 

Foundations, as part of the non-profit industrial complex, replicate the logic of oppressive systems and reinforce dependency on outside funding, don't take leadership from frontline communities, and lack understanding of the historical exploitation necessary to amass the financial resources we are redistributing. This creates an environment that is:

  • competitive not collaborative,
  • fragmented not whole,
  • professionalized not grassroots,
  • scarce not abundant, 
  • extractive not generative,
  • rigid not adaptive,
  • dogmatic not emergent

What will Bring About the Change?

Resist believes that those most directly impacted by oppression have the vision, the tools, the expertise, and the heart to co-create a just and liberated world. 

These communities are not only resisting the dehumanization of people and the destruction of our planet but are also imagining and creating new possibilities for surviving and thriving. 

The success of these possibilities lives in the strength of the relationships within and between frontline communities. 

Resist's Role:

Resist and other foundations must:

  • take lead from and be accountable to frontline communities, especially those working in coalitions toward visionary possibilities for a just and liberated world
  • resource strategies that are transformative and effective, including breadth of experimental responses to oppression
  • help connect emerging strategies with existing community efforts
  • work to shift philanthropy towards a movement building framework by exchanging tools and strategies


*Our ToC was inspired by the Anti-Oppression Resource and Training Alliance (AORTA)

Become a Resister

Resist is a foundation that supports people’s movements for justice and liberation. We redistribute resources back to frontline communities at the forefront of change while amplifying their stories of building a better world.

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