Blueprints of Disruption

"The Cultural Expression of Our Politics" - 100 Years of the United Jewish Peoples Order

Published: 9 June 2026 at 14:00 Europe/London

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Episode notes

The United Jewish Peoples' Order is in the midst of celebrating their 100th year as a secular, leftist Jewish organization in Canada.

Three of UJPO's staff join Blueprints to share some of what they've learned working for the century-old organization, and reflect on how they might build for the next 100 years.

What UJPO does is largely a reflection of their origin story as outsiders:

"We began in the 1920s out of a need for mutual aid between secular, leftist Jews - the majority of them factory workers. They needed community." - Shayle Kilroy, UJPO Operations Manager gives a brief history of how socio-economic conditions led to the creation of a versatile network that understands the importance of collective liberation.

We hear how UJPO has navigated through extraordinary times, both globally and internally - and how they've remained Leftists through it all; Embracing change, and inclusivity, while holding onto their core values.

UJPO have a big event coming up on June 11th, titled "Joy and Struggle". Its an example of how the organization seeks to blend the cultural (the communal) with the political - an approach Executive Director Sarena Sarain and Cultural Director David Wall say have been critical to the longevity of the group.

The three guests also talk a lot about what solidarity means, how they practice collective liberation and the other elements that have made them what they are today.

Hosted by: Jessa McLean

Get Tickets to the 100th Celebration: Joy and Struggle

Related Episodes:

Jews Say No to Genocide (Dec 2024) Serena Sairan and Lauren Moses-Brettle on the identity crisis being purposely crafted by the Israeli lobby to thwart the work being done to liberate Palestine.
Return and Liberation (Oct 2022) A discussion with the Palestinian Youth Movement on how they organize as a diaspora, both culturally and politically, in an environment hostile to their existence.

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