About

The future is the sum of the changes we demand, the courage we display, and how we stand with and for each other.

We Make the Future (WMTF) 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. 

WMTF serves as an implementation home for the Race Class Narrative (RCN) and other empirically backed messaging. 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 a compelling case for a better future for all. By combining empirically based messaging and coalition building we partner on the development and distribution of shared narratives rooted in place that motivate our base and persuade 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

THEORY OF CHANGE

To achieve our vision of a multiracial democracy where freedom and justice are truly for all, we need durable infrastructure.

At WMTF, 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.

WMTF’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 stool with three legs, numbered 1 in yellow, 2 in blue, and 3 in red.

  • 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 of a report titled 'This Is How We Win: Shifting the Narrative for a Better Future'. The cover features a blue background with white and red text, along with a logo consisting of a stylized sunrise or burst of light, the words 'WE MAKE THE FUTURE', and the years 2021-2022 indicating the impact report.
Cover of a report titled 'Building Narrative Power for a Just, Multiracial Democracy.' The cover features a stylized landscape with winding roads, clouds, and a yellow sun, along with a logo in the top left corner and the text 'We Make the Future.'
Illustration of two hands holding a small plant with leaves, above a group of diverse people and trees silhouetted against a large orange sun, with text '2024 Annual Impact Report' and a logo with a star and the words 'We Make The Future'.

CONTACT US

Reach out to info@wemakethefuture.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.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Development Officer

We are looking for a dynamic and strategic Development Officer to join our team. This position is responsible for overseeing the entire grant cycle — from research and funder cultivation to application and reporting — ensuring that WMTF meets all funder commitments and stays on track. They play a key role in ensuring the organization is financially sustainable. The Development Officer will work closely with the Co-Executive Directors to ensure WMTF attracts and maintains donors that support our strategic plans.

Applications are due by 11:59pm PT on March 20, 2026. Find more details about the position and learn how to apply here.

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@wemakethefuture.us for pricing information.