Listening Your Way Into Local Change

Listening Your Way Into Local Change

From The Bottom-Up Revolution by Strong Towns

May 28, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 253

About this episode

Mary Kate Norton discusses how personal stories can drive local change and the importance of listening in advocacy.

Mary Kate Norton, Strong Towns’ Mobilization Coordinator and Trainer, came to advocacy through other people’s stories: campus workers juggling multiple jobs, family members stuck without safe transportation options, and neighbors trying to find housing they could afford. Those experiences shaped how she sees local change now: as something rooted in attention, trust, and the willingness to let a place tell you what it needs. In this episode, Mary Kate reflects on how personal stories become public work, why successful local groups begin by listening, and how advocates can build movements that fit their own communities instead of copying someone else’s model. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Mary Kate Norton (LinkedIn) Strong Towns Local Conversations (Site) Local Recommendations:‍ Sisters' Sludge Northern Coffeeworks Fireroast Coffee Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram) Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here! This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you! Join fellow members discussing this episode in The Commons.

People in this episode

Host: Strong Towns

Guest: Mary Kate Norton

Topics covered

  • local change
  • advocacy
  • community stories
  • listening
  • movements

Keywords

  • local change
  • advocacy
  • community
  • listening
  • movements
  • personal stories
  • public work

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Strong Towns, Sisters' Sludge, Northern Coffeeworks, Fireroast Coffee

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