What if We?

15-Min FAQ: What Stan Culture Can Teach Us About Movement Building

• RALLY • Season 2 • Episode 1

Share episode

What if fandoms are doing what traditional movements struggle to achieve—building belonging, joy, and coordinated power at scale?

In this episode of What If We?, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with Destiny Willis and Lillian Greer to explore what stan culture can teach organizers, advocates, and movement builders about identity, engagement, and collective action. From the origins of the term “stan” in Eminem’s song to today’s highly organized digital fandoms, the conversation unpacks how online communities evolved from passionate fans into sophisticated networks capable of real-world impact.

Using examples like Swifties taking on Ticketmaster—sparking congressional hearings and newer artist-led fan mobilizations—Destiny and Lillian examine how fandoms turn shared frustration into coordinated strategy. Together, they explore why joy, humor, merch, and being “in on the joke” can be powerful tools for sustaining engagement, especially among Gen Z.

In This Episode:

  • What fandoms understand about belonging and shared purpose that traditional movements often overlook
  • How movements can adopt fandom strategies without feeling cringe or inauthentic
  • The idea of “creating your own algorithm” to build issue-based communities
  • Which principles are universal—and which are specific to Gen Z digital culture
  • Why identity, joy, and shared culture drive sustained engagement
  • The risks of applying stan culture to advocacy spaces—and how to do it responsibly
  • What the next generation of movements might look like


About RALLY:

RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.

Where you can find us:

Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.