008: Building A Wide and Strong Net in Social and Political Movements with Debbie Nez-Manuel

“People are not always ready for ideas that come from people of color or that come from Native American communities. Because there are such different value systems; there are sometimes opposite value systems...in the long run, we can't create any kind of change for the better if we don't have those hard conversations.” - Debbie Nez-Manuel

 

Debbie Nez-Manuel is Tséníjíkiní, Cliff Dweller People of Klagetoh. She is born to the Tsénahabiłnii, Sleepy Rock People of Nashchitti, New Mexico. She is a maternal grandchild of the Tsi’naajinii, Black Streaked Forest People and a paternal granddaughter to the Tábąąhí, Waters Edge People.

In this episode of The Widest Net, Pamela has invited Debbie Nez-Manuel, co-founder of Morning Star Leaders, a statewide non-profit organization serving indigenous youth in leadership development. Tragically losing her mother at an early age,  she was instrumental in helping the State of Arizona legislature create the first Study Committee for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. In 2020, Debbie became the first Native American to be elected to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for Arizona after 108 years! 

Debbie has been building a strong network within her community politically and socially, but the path hasn’t always been or felt easy. Strength, determination and remembering her Grandmother’s words has created a voice in a historically underrepresented community that will drive positive systemic change.

 

Here’s what you can expect from this episode: 

• What led Debbie into a political career
• Overcoming challenges with the voting public
• Navigating social identity in Arizona as a Native woman
• Guiding communication with the Native community
• The importance of coalition building

 

Remember it is possible to unlock untapped markets and discover new customers right in front of you using The Widest Net Method. 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Debbie Nez-Manuel - Website
• Morning Star Leaders website 
• Arizona Community Foundation
• Debbie Nez-Manuel - Facebook
• The Widest Net Book by Pamela Slim 

 

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