Desk Tour: Shannon Watts

The founder of 'Moms Demand Action' shares her space.

Welcome to Desk Tour, a series where I interview creative folks about their desks and workspaces. In case you missed it: writer Kelton Wright’s Desk Tour from last time. You can also browse the entire catalog of Desk Tours.

Over the course of my career, I have been lucky enough to connect with all kinds of creatives and artists. Naturally, that means you have seen a lot of these people and their spaces featured on Desk Tour. But artists certainly are not the only people doing interesting or important things (and not the only ones with helpful work habits and office spaces, either). That’s just one of the reasons I am so thrilled to introduce you all to the office space of activist and Mom’s Demand Action founder Shannon Watts.

Moms Demand Action is the largest grassroots group fighting gun violence in the U.S. If you’re not familiar with Shannon’s story you can find more information here. The basics: Shannon was was a full-time mom of five children when the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary happened in 2012. Inspired to pursue concrete change, Shannon started a Facebook group, which became a movement. You can learn more about the important work that Moms Demand Action is doing here.

I believe that common sense gun laws like banning assault weapons are among the very least we can do to make this country safer. I believe it doesn’t have to be like this, and like many of you when it comes to this country, my god, I am tired. But there is work to be done, and it’s encouraging to know there are people like Shannon out there doing the work. We all have to keep fighting for change.

Also! Mom’s Demand Action is just the start of Shannon’s work. During the 2024 election, she organized the largest Zoom gathering in history, mobilizing over 200K voters and raising over $11 million in support of the Kamala Harris campaign. Her next book will be released in 2025.

Now let’s step into her office…

OM: Describe your workspace.

SW: When we moved into our home in Northern California at the beginning of the pandemic, we decided to turn the dining room into my office. We’re empty nesters, so we didn’t need a huge dining room table. We built a wall to give me some privacy from the kitchen, but it’s a pretty open space, and if you listen closely on Zooms, you can hear my three dogs snoring during their naps. I use the space for live conversations on social media, taping podcasts, and writing Substack posts. The best thing about my office is that I face the west, and there’s a big wall of windows that light me up like I’m on a Real Housewives reunion.

OM: What are your three favorite items on your desk right now?

SW: A photo of a class I taught at USC when I was a fellow (one of the boys changed into a Moms Demand Action t-shirt). A glass heart given to me by a gun violence survivor. A New York City snow globe I got for Christmas from my kids. A needlepoint from my former chief of staff that says “Sharon,” a joke about all of the people who mispronounce my name. And a photo of Viola Liuzzo, a mother of five who was killed by Klu Klux Klan members for driving peaceful protestors to Selma in 1965.

OM: Do you keep anything specific at your desk that you use as inspiration to stay creative or positive?

SW: I’ve been a practicing Buddhist for over a decade and have a Buddha statue on my desk. If I’m feeling frustrated, seeing Buddha out of the corner of my eye is a good reminder to stay centered.

OM: Is there anything you absolutely HAVE to have at your desk/workspace or you can't be productive?

SW: A computer charger. There’s always one plugged into my desk and no one is allowed to move it. So many times I go to use my phone or computer and they’re almost out of juice. Knowing there’s always access to power gives me piece of mind.

OM: Is there anything you'd change about your workspace? If so, what?

SW: I wish I had a door. I only have three walls and my office opens up into the living room. If someone is at the door or the dogs start barking or my husband wants to ask me a question, there’s no barrier to protect my privacy. But ever since the pandemic, my husband has had to work in the basement, so I still think I got the better office.

OM: Describe your ideal work day at your desk.

SW: I have time to eat breakfast while browsing all of the important gossip websites, including People and PageSix. Then I get through all of my emails—responding, filing and deleting. I have a few Zooms, but nothing that requires me to have to do too much preparation in advance. I knock out all of my to-do items. And then I actually have a couple of hours to think creatively about what I want to share on my two favorite platforms, Substack and Instagram. I’m done by 4 p.m. and I can get my daily 10,000 steps in.

OM: Where can people find you on the internet?

SW: My handle on all platforms is shannonrwatts. My Substack is Playing with Fire. And you can find out more about my new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age at firedupbook.com.

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Note from Olivia: I am embarrassed to say that I had never heard of Viola Liuzzo before this Desk Tour. I read quite a bit about her life after this interview, and I am so glad I did.

Be sure to check out all the past editions of Desk Tour!

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PS: One last thing before I go… you can order my first novel NOW! If you’ve already read and enjoyed, I would be honored if you would leave a kind review or rating on Goodreads or Amazon. It makes a world of difference. I appreciate your consideration, time, and support immensely.

A portion of February’s subscriber proceeds will go toward the Transgender Law Center, which fights to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.