Using stories to shift power, disrupt the status quo, and challenge systems of inequity is where we — as an organization and, more importantly, a group of real humans — have felt strongest. And for the past two years, as we’ve been hard at work imagining better futures for our communities, we’ve also been imagining new paths forward for Pollen.
Justice, in any form, is rarely offered freely.
It is instead demanded and fought for by a populace ready to move beyond the inequities of the status quo, and toward a world that is freer, more just, and more loving. But a community can’t be ready for change if it’s mired in the old narratives that support The Way Things Are. To leave the status quo behind, communities need to imagine a new path forward.
Challenging systems of inequity through stories that shift power and disrupt the status quo is where we — as an organization and, more importantly, a group of real humans — have felt strongest. And for the past two years, as we’ve been hard at work imagining better futures for our communities, we’ve also been imagining new paths forward for Pollen. That’s where Pollen can make an impact — in exploring those new paths forward through the practice of narrative change.
Investing in a strategy centered around narrative change means investing in our team of expert storytellers. For the last four years, Jerome Rankine and Melanie Walby have been critical leaders within Pollen, refining how we use stories and art to break down harmful narratives, and building up narratives rooted in justice, community, and our shared humanity.
We are celebrating their leadership and recognizing their critical roles in growing Pollen into our next evolution. Both have received promotions and will now be leading specific departments that are growing and will continue to grow!
“I’m excited to be part of a growing editorial team with a big goal: telling stories that widen the window of what our communities see as possible for themselves.”
Jerome Rankine Editorial Director
“I’m honored to lead our creative team as we challenge conventional ideas about designing for justice together with our incredible community of freelance artists.”
Melanie Walby Creative Director
This shift, this reimagining of ourselves, is not an easy undertaking. But we know that the new evolution of Pollen, a new era of growth, change, and creation, will be worth the work. Our hope in the coming months is to invite you along on this journey. We want to crack open our walls and welcome you into all of it: the struggles, the joys, the moments of healing. We want to share with you what we’re learning, what is driving our changes, and where this road takes us.
There is so much more to come.
Thank you for being with us at the start.
