Deanna Zandt // dz

One of the luckiest breaks in my life is that I got to work with and learn from #JesseJackson. The Reverend didn't just talk — he rallied a multiracial populist movement and actually led.

#RestInPeace

I'm digging around in research, but I'm wondering, smart people of my world, who's thinking about this, writing about it, working on it?

I used to joke around that I knew I was aging out of being a cutting-edge tech person when every time I went to hang up a Zoom call, I couldn't find the button because it'd moved with the last update. This is feeling less and less jokey now.

Platforms (everything from social to OSes to whatever) are prioritizing novelty in their user interface design, so that we're dosed with dopamine to keep coming back and trying to get more. But older people need stability, and novelty in this sense can actively prevent their ability to connect.

Social connection is one of the primary factors in brain health; without it, we decline REALLY fast, especially as we age. If we're dependent on devices for that connection, whether it's social media or texting or even the ability to make a phone call, how will this play out?

But since we're all so dependent on devices for so many things, it's not really an option to drop out. There are the practical implications, of course, but I'm very worried about the *social* implications.

It seems like in times past, when folks "aged out" of a technology, they simply stopped using that device and went on about their lives.

Tech always feels more complicated as we age, but I've been noticing some troubling patterns the last few years with obstacles that people over 70-75 are up against.

The old world is dying and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters. Antonio Gramsci

Just a little light philosophy while chatting’ with the homies.

I don’t have any armchair QB’ing in me, thank goodness, but I wanted to share some very small things that have come up for me this weekend in the wake of Saturday’s events in Minneapolis. Thx to @jonesforar.bsky.social for the light of connection.

deannazandt.substack.com/p/small-thou...

Man notorious for fucking teenagers in Russia thinks the Epstein scandal is overblown.

I got to participate in the table read of a brilliant play today, & realized I might, at 50 yrs old, finally get DISCOVERED. I needed an acting resume! Whipped one up right beforehand, & someone saw it and left notes! Eeeeeeeee! Zoom in, it’s all worth it.

“Alarming Cackle” will be my memoir title

Same, but I at least need to see my confusion nearly played out into rows and columns

2025 NYC Ballot proposals

I was overwhelmed by the conflicting info on NYC ballot proposals so I made a spreadsheet: bit.ly/2025BallotNYC

Who's got ballot measure info? I asked @nywfp.bsky.social via text but they didn't have this time 😭

2/ Brave people standing up can spark waves of change. No community or country is a monolith. We are in this together and my heart heals a tiny bit when I hear these stories.

1/ My dear friend and longtime comrade @msifry.bsky.social has a new book out-- I've been helping him bring it to the world, and I have learned about a badass peace movement sparked by *Israeli reserve officers*, of all people, that I never knew existed.

I am “googled a meme I didn’t understand and found a NYTimes article about it from several months ago” years old

I made this! Heeeeeee. Plus: this is one of the coolest programs I’ve ever heard of: using improv to teach girls leadership skills!! YES ✨😍

✨✨ Happy September!! TL;DR> Hire me! ✨✨ -- As I wrap up a set of projects, I once again have availability for new clients. "What will she do for money?" I hear you ask. Well, I won't do *that* (yet), but here's what I *will* do: * Design and build small Wordpress based websites, either as a one-time deal with handoff, or with an ongoing support contract * Support establishing or growing a Substack newsletter, for fun and for profit * Create text- and image-based social media posts that align with and help realize an organization's strategic goals * Advise on what those goals should be, if needed * Work with your organization to perform a digital audit, and/or vet digital-services vendors for you (creating RFPs, reviewing proposals, interviewing candidates) My topic specialities include media, advocacy, nonprofits, mental health/emotional wellness, early childhood policy/advocacy, gender-affirming work, rural issues and more. Examples of my work are available on request, and check out some new recommendations in my LinkedIn profile (linkinbio ofc) from folks I've worked with recently. I'm also open to hearing about things I don't have listed here, but that you might think of me for!

✨✨ Happy September!! TL;DR> Hire me! ✨✨

www.linkedin.com/in/deannazandt

Whoops, you got me. I added the rust to the top truck for dramatic effect. (Not AI, don't worry, old fashioned Photoshop skills, hee.)

A little light reading!

deannazandt.substack.com/p/between-pa...

#thisis50👩‍🎤💖

I am very much enjoying Texas politics for once.

jimhightower.substack.com/p/here-we-go...

Omg this is so cool!! Can I see the paper??

Such a great feeling: while I'm prepping one of @jimhightower.com's columns for posting, I have to call him and ask him to send me the source for his criticism of Greg Abbott taking corrupt campaign donations because there's so many out there, I can't tell which one he's referring to *this time.* 🫠

🦁Help me find a venue for my 50th birthday party this August!🦁

Years ago, I asked friends what they would do if they weren't professional activists. Cecile Richards commented that she's always wanted to have her own taco truck. THIS IS OUR MOMENT TO HONOR HER LEGACY

@ppact.org

I just went to open the NYT Games app but accidentally open the MTA app which speaks volumes about the state of… *waves hands* things.

I talked to someone who didn't vote in 2024. I asked her why. She said she hates Trump policies, but thought Kamala "couldn't speak well." I asked her what she meant.

She watched a YouTube video that was spliced to make Kamala look like an idiot. This voter fell for it and stayed home. The point?