Rise Beyond the Margins: A Call for Community, Solidarity, and Inclusive Scholarship
Empowering Collective Action and Mutual Aid for Indigenous Representation and Equity in Research & Pedagogy.
“Persist and Resist. Persist in your efforts. Resist giving into distraction, discouragement, and disorder. ” - Epictetus
Dear qualitative Inquisitors,
I hope you are having a fantastic summer. As July has come and gone, I've found myself reflecting on the many twists, turns, and transitions that have shaped this year for me… navigating multiple "identity crises" and continuing the ongoing fight for belonging in this world.
This summer, I’ve been working hard on an academic adventure that I’m excited to share with you all. Starting next week, I have the incredible opportunity to present three original research papers at two major academic conferences:
– PolNet at Harvard/Northeastern in Cambridge, MA (Aug 11–14)
– APSA Annual Meeting & Teaching & Learning in Vancouver, Canada (Sept 11–14)
I launched a crowdfunding campaign to make these opportunities possible, and I would be so grateful for your support in helping me attend. This is more than just a personal journey; it is about contributing to the collective fight for inclusive scholarship, equity, and social justice in academia.
If you haven’t already, please check out my GoFundMe campaign: Rise Beyond the Margins: Empower Inclusive Scholarship and my new Medium article: “Rising Beyond the Margins: Fighting for Belonging and Inclusion in Academia.”
I truly believe this work matters, and your support—whether through a donation, share, or kind word—would mean the world to me.
Please take a few minutes to watch my YouTube video which goes into the heart of my initiative:
A share, engagement, or any kind word of support would truly be most helpful in elevating the message about community, solidarity, and resilience through adversity connected to our identities.
For a more formal overview, I have included a detailed proposal with conference specifics, intellectual justification for crowdsourcing, and a tentative budget. You can read the proposal in this PDF document HERE.
The paper abstracts are also available HERE (as well as in the Medium article).
The Message and the Campaign Mission
While you can read about it on my campaign page, I want to share some thoughts about the heart of the mission behind this effort.
This campaign is about more than just funding a friend who may need a little lift—it is about addressing the challenges and creating space for underrepresented scholars like myself to contribute our research and perspectives. By supporting this campaign, you are not only helping me attend these conferences but also standing in solidarity with a broader movement for equity, justice, and inclusion in academia.
It is a call to recognize the value of all voices, especially those that have been marginalized or overlooked, and to actively support the pursuit of knowledge that serves a greater purpose.
The Challenge in Crowdfunding
Last year, when I launched my campaign, I was disheartened by the lack of support from my academic and professional networks. Despite the campaign being successful in my personal network, many people in my professional circle saw it and chose not to engage.
I can’t help but wonder if this reflects the same marginalization we often face in academia—the very thing I am fighting against.
Though I did not receive the response I hoped for, I’m choosing to extend this campaign to a larger community as well, and I am sharing my ongoing academic journey in this space. I want to emphasize that this is about showing up for each other, especially when it is difficult to find the support we need.
Reflections on the Past Year
This summer and the past year have been full of challenges, but also critical reflections. In my last newsletter, I shared my thoughts on the ongoing genocide in Palestine and how it has profoundly impacted me. I talked about how disheartening the deafening silence in Academia was, and how disappointed I was with those who have been silent within my networks.
I started this campaign because I genuinely care about building community and because I could use the support given the challenges I have endured at a personal level from the collective traumas. I also want to remind people that crowdfunding is commonplace in academia, whether one has an institutional affiliation or not, especially for those who do not have access to the funds.
It was hard to start this campaign with all that is happening in Gaza right now, as an advocate for the Palestinian cause and other humanitarian, human rights, and social causes.
But then I realized that I, too, may have been impacted by this situation, largely because of my identity as a Muslim and public activism for Palestine, which has led to profound sadness in me.
But what I can say is that, 5-10-20 years from now, regardless of the challenges to my livelihood, or any other burdens on me or those closest to me, I will still be proud of the choices I made, walking into academic and professional spaces with integrity and courage.
I am still processing the emotional and psychological toll that years of trauma and marginalization have had on me. Dr. Lindo Bacon's work on Radical Belonging sheds light on the reality of navigating spaces that aren't built for people like me—and the struggle to create a sense of belonging when we are not supported or seen.
Their book is helping me get through this difficult chapter. I cited the book in my Belonging in Academia paper presentation at the APSA TLC earlier this year. I am now building on that research as I prepare for my Mental Health in Academic TLC paper presentation (if I can make it there this September!).
I know that I may have faced intersectional injustice, but this gives me more reason to keep pushing forward anyway. I know the systemic barriers that have impacted the internal challenges and I cannot give up largely because of that. I have had to come to terms with many personal and collective struggles since I graduated from my PhD program, which slowed down my progress. But I am taking my time to process, heal, and move forward.
While I have had setbacks, I am proud of how I have responded to the setbacks and challenges, with the progress and work I’ve done so far, especially with launching this newsletter, The Qualitative Inquisition Qi, even with limited editions at this time.
I’ve written extensively on various qualitative methods, journalism, belonging, storytelling, and reflexivity, and I’ve started a FieldNote Series based on my trip to Saudi Arabia. (I plan to finish these reflections by the end of the year.)
This is just the beginning of a much bigger journey in Qi, one that I hope will include building online resources, creating courses, seminars, workshops, and continuing to develop content for both my academic and creative endeavors.
But for now, my focus has shifted to these conferences, stronger academic job market efforts, and raising awareness for my ongoing work. I’ll have to pause some projects, like the FieldNote Series, until after September, but I am committed to the path ahead.
Moving Forward: The Campaign and Beyond
In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more insights on my academic journey and why this crowdfunding campaign matters. Some of the essays/topics I’ll cover in future newsletters include:
Rising Beyond the Margins (this campaign promotion piece in Medium/Substack)
Building A Public-Funded Postdoc - A model for Community-Driven Scholarship
An Intellectual Justification for Community-Powered Research
Academic Excellence Reimagined: Resilience in Lifelong Learning
Resilience as a Muslim Woman Scholar in Political Science and Public Policy
Mental Health in Academia
Belonging in Academia
These pieces will be published on Medium and Substack, and I hope they will shed light on the academic struggles faced by marginalized scholars and the ways we can support each other.
A Call to Action: Solidarity and Support
I’ve noticed that crowdfunding campaigns, especially in academia, can be dismissed by some. But it is important to remember that crowdfunding is not only common in academic circles but also a powerful way for independent scholars (especially from marginalized backgrounds) to secure resources and opportunities. As I stated in last year’s crowdfunding campaign, if we can fund political campaigns, we can fund academic research that pushes for equity and justice.
If you believe in making space for underrepresented voices, in centering mental health and spiritual belonging in scholarly spaces, in supporting academic and policy work that honors the responsibility of the intellectual —personal, collective, and political—then please consider supporting this campaign.
Even a small donation, a share on social media, or a word of encouragement can make a world of difference.
Here’s how you can support:
Donate to the campaign: Every little bit counts, and your support will directly fund my participation in these conferences, but also contribute to the larger mission of community, solidarity, alongside equity and justice.
Share this article or the fundraiser link: Help spread the word about the importance of supporting independent scholars.
Offer a kind word of encouragement, care, empathy, or solidarity: Your support isn’t just financial—it is emotional, and it is vital. It is so important when you learn that a friend, family member, colleague, or community member needs support, to help them, especially when times are tough. Communication with empathy and compassion can go a long way.
I truly believe this campaign is about more than just me. It helps amplify inclusive pedagogy and research that uplifts those on the margins. It is about all of us rising beyond the margins, advocating for the research that uplifts marginalized communities, and showing the world what solidarity looks like.
If you believe in the power of community-driven scholarship, please consider supporting this campaign.
Show Up for Your Friends and Colleagues
I honestly see these types of initiatives as opportunities for colleagues and friends to show some support. If you know your friend or colleague is going through a tough time, and you go out for a coffee or lunch, would you let them pay for it?
In this case, if just a small donation, a share, a like, a word of encouragement, care, empathy, or solidarity, could go such a long way, then we should try to offer it.
I know that friends tend to shy away from friends who need support. That contributed to why I would be ashamed and scared to ask for help. And even now, it is hard. But I refused to be ashamed of it, and I hope, at the very least, this could send the message that it is important to support our colleagues and friends when they reach out for it.
I believe this campaign brings a sense of awareness about the struggle for marginalized scholars, and an opportunity to learn how we can be better at being there for one another at tough times.
In last year’s campaign video, I made a comparison that I believe is important to reiterate. If political candidates—say, someone like Zohran Mamdani—can successfully raise funds through crowdfunding for their campaigns, then academics can and should be able to do the same for their scholarly pursuits, especially if they reflect the same values. Remember, research is a public service. And in a sense, this is an act of resistance, an act of defiance against a system that has failed to show up.
Just as political candidates rely on the support of their communities to fund their campaigns, we as scholars can also leverage that same community support to amplify our work, especially when our research has the power to create real change. The impact of academic work, particularly that which is centered around equity, inclusion, and social justice, is just as crucial, especially when the systems are built to exclude people.
Crowdfunding for academia is not just a necessity; it is a chance to empower independent scholars to make the difference they know is possible—without being beholden to institutional systems that often limit the voices of marginalized communities.
Reflections on the Campaign Journey
I’m genuinely proud of this campaign so far. It may not be perfect. Alternative resources were not successful, so I could not push it earlier, but when I step back and look at everything I’ve done, I see it as a strong and significant effort both in my academic journey and to send the message on the challenge that many face. This is not just about advocating for myself; it is about continuously showing up for equity-driven, justice-oriented research.
I am making this public because I believe in its value and in finding others who share that belief—people who will help spread this message and push for the change we need.
I know it is becoming increasingly difficult to make it to the conference next week, and if I can’t attend, it will be heartbreaking. But I’m still proud of the effort I’ve put in to try to make it, and I remain hopeful for what’s ahead in September. Even if I don’t make it next week, I’m grateful for this journey, for trying.
Last year, I was able to make it thanks to my FundMyTravel campaign, which was a success. This year, I am seeking community support, and if not institutional, then at least the collective strength of those who believe in what I do.
This campaign has been about fighting for visibility, for my place, and for the chance to share my research. I hope to continue sharing the developments of this journey in the coming weeks.
I would truly appreciate your help in spreading the word. Once again, if you can donate, please do—but if not, a share, a like, or simply engaging with this message will go a long way.
As I write about community-driven development and prepare to present on empowering communities, I know that I won’t be able to get there without community, without your support.
I want this campaign to convey the message of an independent scholar, rising beyond the margins. Our stories matter. Our successes are interconnected to the larger narrative of resilience and fortitude, and more than we think. This is about staying accountable to our collective struggles and inviting you to be part of this journey.
Closing Reflections: A Collective Struggle
It is very difficult to keep going in the academic journey when you have faced significant challenges connected to your identity, which are tragically misunderstood as personal failures, when truly they are systemic and societal challenges.
Despite the challenges I’ve faced, I will continue to fight for visibility, equity, and belonging in academia. If I can’t make it to the conference on Monday, I’ll continue pushing forward for September. Either way, I’m proud of the work I’ve done and the intentional effort to advance this work, and continue building community in the process.
This effort reflects many of our stories that are too often left out of dominant narratives—stories I hope to continue to reveal and amplify through my research, scholarship, advocacy, and writing.
I know I must keep fighting to show up in the spaces where I belong. And I know how important my voice is—and will continue to be—in this moment.
I started the campaign in early July and launched it on social media in mid-July. I am still happy to have shared it publicly within Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. And I am happy to continue this campaign for the next few weeks through America’s National Suicide Prevention Month as well as World Suicide Prevention Day, in September, which will be the day I aim to travel to Canada.
I am determined to continue my work, both here in this community with you, as well as in other spaces in the world of academia.
Donate & share from the link HERE.
I made my first contribution to this campaign myself because I believe in this mission. If you do too, please help me get there.
Thank you for your support and community!
With heartfelt gratitude,
In Solidarity and Peace,
Your Sister,
Dr. Elsa
Donate to Educational Crowdfunding Campaign:
Rise Beyond the Margins: Empowering Inclusive Scholarship
I appreciate all who donated to my fundraiser and in my past fundraisers for other causes. Similar to other fundraisers, this too will be included in my “Painting Heals Initiative,” which had been postponed for some time, and I am building it this summer.
It started with fundraising for flood relief in Pakistan at the end of 2022, as noted in this article, and I have extended it to my other fundraisers.
In this initiative, I gift my original paintings to donors in honor of the cause, a gesture that reflects my commitment to both creative expression and resistance. I hope to share more details about this initiative soon, as it progresses.
It’s part of my broader approach to arts-based research and pedagogy, which I presented at the APSA Teaching and Learning Conference in February. I am excited to explore this method more closely in this space in the future.
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Last month, I wrote a mid-year reflection in my creative Substack newsletter here. Please feel free to read that as well.
You can also subscribe to my new creative atomic newsletter, “Sword Dispatch: The WkQ Letters,” for more personal stories and insights on intersectionality, mental health, identity, and social justice issues, which includes curated content from my personal blog here.
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Academic/DEI Book Recommendations
Radical Belonging: How to Survive and Thrive in an Unjust World (While Transforming it for the Better), by Lindo Bacon, PhD
As noted earlier, this book includes profound insights that can be translated to the real struggle for DEI in Academia. The challenge for Belonging in Academia is not just external and systemic, it becomes internal as well for marginalized folks, and Dr. Lindo Bacon provides insight into how this challenge is connected to our mental and physical health, and becomes integral to the body liberation movement. Read more here: https://lindobacon.com/radical-belonging-book/
I genuinely connect with Dr. Bacon’s words on the home page:
“Radical Belonging is my manifesto—to promote healing from the individual and collective trauma of injustice and to support our transition from a culture of othering to one of belonging.” - Dr. Lindo Bacon
Radical Empathy: Finding a Path to Bridging Racial Divides, by Terri E. Givens, PhD
Similarly, returning to the wonderful insights from Professor Terri Givens in her mission to spread the message of encouraging personal growth through radical empathy. I first met Professor Givens at the APSA 2022 Teaching and Learning Conference, where she gave an incredible keynote presentation about Radical Empathy. You can check out her page here: https://www.terrigivens.com/
Quote of the Month
“Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s the greatest measure of courage.”
- Dr. Brene Brown