Lisa Humphreys

Two years in Clayton and Humphreys is already a community leader

Lisa Humphreys identifies as a feeler, a person whose emotions are codependent with those of others. In other words, Humphreys desires peace and harmony but fears that current political divisions threaten to disturb these ideals.
Her first reaction has been to be proactive about responding the changes in government. Humphreys’ newest project is called “The Huddle.”
More so now than ever before, Huddles have permeated the nation as a catalyst for action. While the specific motives behind them vary, many serve as a safe place for people to share their struggles and successes with the government with a small group of people. The idea is to then visualize what a better, more equitable world could look like in the future.
To reach this goal, members work backwards, engendering small change that ultimately comes together to produce the hypothetical ideal.
Humphreys hosts her own Huddle every Thursday at her house. Her version of the Huddle is tailored specifically to women but is not necessarily limited to the discussion of feminist issues. On average, around 10 women with differing backgrounds show up to discuss anything they care to discuss.
Humphreys hopes to share her knowledge from the Government 101 class she takes weekly with the purpose of “demystifying state government.”
Humphreys encourages the women attending her Huddle to become educated on their state laws. She believes that an unbiased, basic understanding of current laws, regulations and systems belonging to the government is a necessary first step to taking action.
Another incentive of the Huddle is to learn how to be effective in supporting or opposing government movements.
Humphreys hopes to provide members of The Huddle with the necessary materials to make their voices heard.
“Pick the issue you are passionate about, follow it, gather comrades, show up, make noise,” Humphreys said.
As most elected officials have never experienced this magnitude of community action, Humphreys believes that even a simple phone call will have a great impact on government.
Many who have witnessed the various protests occurring on Inauguration Day and those revolving around feminist movements feel that protesting is not effective in making change. Humphreys supports organized protesting but encourages activists to take their actions a step further.
“Participate in protests enough where you feel like you’re part of the group, but then get down to business of what really needs to happen,” she said.
While Humphreys shares similar political views with those that attend The Huddle, she recognizes that those leaning in a different direction may share the same passion that she does in her beliefs.
Humphreys believes that the most effective way of addressing the divide in political beliefs is to ask questions.
“I feel like we have to get over the fact that we just had this devastating loss that we had no idea was coming and realize that we do need to reach agreement and get people off the defensive response to get people to listen,” Humphreys said.