Note from Randy: The last 30 seconds of the episode went silent so my apologies to listeners
This episode features an in-depth conversation with Aaron Yin, an organizer based in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.
Aaron shares his four years of experience in the organizing space, offering valuable insights into what it truly means to be an activist today, especially for those just starting out. He breaks down how community organizing can look on a hyper-local level, emphasizing the importance of building relationships right in your apartment complex and neighborhood.
Community Engagement, Deconstructed: Aaron demystifies the idea of “community engagement,” explaining how to connect with neighbors and build local power from the ground up.
Actionable Steps for Beginners: If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Aaron provides concrete, actionable steps that anyone can take to enter the organizing space, regardless of their experience level.
The Burnout Antidote: Organizing is long-term work. Aaron discusses his strategies for avoiding burnout and sustaining activism, drawing from his popular viral videos on the subject.
Aaron’s approach offers a practical, grounded roadmap for moving from being a passive observer to an engaged participant in your local community.
Bio:
Aaron Yin is an organizer currently based in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, with four years of experience in the field.
He is known for his work on the Politically Asian! Podcast and, more recently, for several viral Instagram videos that offer accessible guidance on community building. His popular video content covers essential topics for new organizers, including tips on how to get political slowly, strategies for finding friends and groups to organize with, and practical advice for avoiding burnout.
Aaron currently dedicates his time to organizing with several groups in Crown Heights, focusing on building strong relationships within his apartment complex and the wider neighborhood.
