We believe culture shifts before policy does, and that storytellers, artists, change-makers, and organizers play a powerful role in shaping a future where everyone thrives.

That’s why Culture Surge is building spaces, sparking convenings, nurturing community, and curating resources to help us harness the power of art and culture to say loud and clear: YOU BELONG. 

And we’re just getting started.  Tell a friend and make sure you're subscribed to our email list to stay connected on the latest trends and what’s next for this growing community.

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TRENDS AND INSIGHTS DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

There’s a lot out there, and not nearly enough time to make sense of it. That’s where we come in.

Each week, the Culture Surge team scans the noise and distills the top five things you need to read, watch, or know. We connect the biggest stories, trends, and viral moments to what matters most: how we move culture, shift narrative, and build power.

Have something you want to share with the community? Email us at dana@wearetheleague.org to be considered for a feature

CULTURE CATALYSTS

Trend Breakdowns & Brand Building With Eugene Healey

How pop culture, media, and even memes are influencing the election cycle.

  • Brand as Mosaic: The media and advertising landscape have shifted drastically! Embrace "hand to hand marketing" over "fire and forget marketing." Understand how to cooperate with and contribute to subcultures, rather than just co-opting trends.

    One brand, Many Interpretations: Focus on building the brand idea instead of simply executing a communications strategy. Develop a strong, consistent brand strategy that can meaningfully connect to consumers or constituents via strong brand associations as the foundation, rather than relying solely on campaign-driven advertising.

    Time to Drink from the Firehose: Adapt to the hyper-fragmentation of media consumption. Meet your audience in the cacophony of diverse digital channels and leverage participatory, user-generated content to build energy and momentum.

Culture & Research With Charlene Polite Corley

Everything we’re seeing done right in today’s media landscape and how we can harness those insights to create more impactful campaigns.

  • Impact is a Business Imperative. You can’t expect to build a successful business without building trust with your audience and to achieve this, you have to invest in their communities in meaningful ways.

    You Can Start Small. Don’t wait on a big brand or budget to identify ways you can make an impact. Getting involved with your community and staying true to issues you’re passionate about is at the core of what drives sustainable impact.

    The Right Response > Rapid Response. Change initiatives need to be more than a performative social post made in the moment. Slow down and act thoughtfully to create intentional change.

The Culture of Empathy With Michael Tennant

Shining the spotlight on hyperlocal influencers and creators who are making a difference in their communities

  • Recognizing empathy as a tool extends beyond being compassionate towards others and requires looking inward. Collective power requires a community of connection and that begins with how we tap into our own emotions, nervous systems, and inner dynamics.

    While connection and vulnerability can seem intimidating, we must recognize their ability to serve as a superpower in strengthening our collectivity. Tuning into how we connect internally and externally builds our authenticity, communication, and ability to be in community with one another.