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Home > Archives for organize my community or network

organize my community or network

Community Conversations: Digital and Data That Will Win in ‘24

July 12, 2023

About the Conversation

The next Presidential election is less than 18 months away and the mills are already spinning. Can Ron DeSantis really win? Will he be worse than Trump? Can Biden unify the left? Do progressives and democrats really have a chance to win the Senate?

In the current electoral landscape, pop culture and politics are being consumed together like never before and there is a constant, intentional barrage of misinformation online aimed at BIPOC communities. Organizations across the progressive movement have begun developing strategies and implementing tactics designed to reach and mobilize voters in November ‘24. This includes identifying opportunities for digital tactics and data science to engage online audiences aligned with our values – but we’ve got to cut through all that noise to do it.

Join our next Community Conversation on Tuesday July 25th at 5:00pm (EST), featuring a panel of seasoned electoral campaigners, data scientists, and digital strategists for an open discussion with re:power’s alumni community about anticipated opportunities for digital and data to engage voters, beat back misinformation, and build an active progressive voting block that will win in 2024 and beyond.

Closed captioning will be available during this webinar.

Alumni Exclusive Event

This webinar is part of our Community Conversations series and is open to re:power alumni only.

Event Ended

Type Event
Category Movement Technology
Cost Free
Dates Jul 25,
Location Online
Time Tuesday 5:00-6:00 pm ET
RSVP

Grassroots Organizing School

May 4, 2023

Overview

Welcome to re:power Fund’s Grassroots Organizing School! This is an 18-week course built to provide BIPOC grassroots organizers with the training and support necessary to develop a baseline of relational organizing skills. 

The curriculum, based on Professor Marshall Ganz’s successful “Leadership, Organizing, and Action” program, is designed to take participants through a full campaign learning journey and includes sessions on public narrative as a leadership tool, building organizing relationships, creating interdependent leadership teams, developing campaign strategy, and taking action with your community. 

Relational organizing is at the heart of Grassroots Organizing School’s approach. At re:power Fund, we believe that movements must center base building in all their strategies and that engaging new people, developing their leadership capacity, and placing them in positions of real responsibility is essential to long-term success beyond any individual campaign. With that in mind, our entire curriculum is built to enhance our organizers’ relational skills and their capacity to distribute responsibility and develop the leadership of others.

Course modules include:
  • Introduction to Organizing
  • Coaching as a Leadership Practice
  • Public Narrative: Stories of Self, Us, and Now
  • Relationship-Building
  • Building Interdependent Leadership Teams
  • Creating Shared Strategy
  • Tactics & Timeline
  • Mobilizing for Action

Who is the course for?

Ideal applicants come from all walks of life, from seasoned organizers and campaigners looking to sharpen their skills, to newer leaders who are passionate about organizing and want to bring rigor to their learning journey. Here are some attributes shared by all our applicants:

  • Organizing Insight: You don’t need to be a professional politico, but we’re looking for applicants with experience doing organizing work on the ground. That work can be tied to grassroots, electoral, and/or issue organizing. We seek to support organizers who are currently part of a campaign effort or are seeking to build one. 
  • Relational & people-focused: Ideal participants are excited to build relationships, to invest in the leadership of others, and to build teams of purpose-driven leaders.
  • Dedication to Inclusive Politics and Intersectional solutions: At re:power, we center race, class, gender and sexuality across all our trainings—it’s part of our practice of inclusive politics. We are looking for organizers who share our values and are seeking to build power in historically marginalized communities.

Course Structure

The course will launch with an in-person convening from August 4–6 in Minneapolis, MN. Starting on August 15 until December 5, we will meet every Tuesday virtually for a live session (either a lecture, or a smaller group section). Assignments will be due every Thursday, and will rotate between individual assignment and 3-person peer group assignments (SPAs). You can visualize the flow in the table below:

Expectations

This is an intensive, interactive course, with high expectations for participation. 

During lectures & sections:

  • We ask participants to write in the chat box, share verbally, and participate in breakout group discussion. 

Outside of class time, participants will be asked to:

  • Apply their learning to their work in real time, 
  • Complete required readings,
  • Write biweekly reflection papers, and 
  • Complete biweekly short group projects alongside a small group of other participants. 

There are limited spaces available for participants in this course. If you feel you are not able to meet course expectations, we ask that you do not apply.

Make-up Policy

In case of a work or family emergency that cannot be rescheduled without putting jobs/health in jeopardy, participants may miss up to two scheduled sessions (lecture or sections). Make-up work will be required.

Information Sessions

If you want to learn more or wish to talk to one of our trainers about the program before applying, you can join us at one of the upcoming info sessions:

  • Tuesday, May 16, 2023 6:00 PM EST/ 5:00 PM CT/ 3:00 PM PST
  • Tuesday, May 30, 2023 6:00 PM EST/ 5:00 PM CT/ 3:00 PM PST
  • Tuesday, June 13, 2023 6:00 PM EST/ 5:00 PM CT/ 3:00 PM PST
  • Tuesday, June 27, 2023 6:00 PM EST/ 5:00 PM CT/ 3:00 PM PST
Info Sessions ended

We will be meeting in person for this training. Please read our latest COVID-19 protocol before proceeding with your application.

COVID-19 Protocol

Applications closed

Type Training
Category Movement Building
Cost Sliding scale $1,500–2,500*
Dates

In-person Convening in Minneapolis, MN:

Aug 4, Aug 5, Aug 6,

Virtual Sessions:

Aug 15 – Dec 5
Tuesdays 6–8 pm

* Covers the cost of lodging and meals during the in-person convening as well as virtual sessions. Does NOT include cost of airfare, meals during travel and ground transportation

We recognize that $1500–2500 is a significant amount of money, especially for individuals. This course requires a significant commitment of time and resources, and we strongly recommend that applicants discuss participation with their organizations and request support—both financial and structural, so you can dedicate the time required to attend all sections and engage in the additional required weekly work.

We know that for some, this might pose a challenge. Please reach out to grassroots@repower.org if you have any questions—we would be happy to meet with organizational leaders to discuss the course and help you advocate for support.

Additional Information

Who is leading the course?

Grassroots Organizing School will be led by an experienced group of re:power Fund trainers—all of whom are women of color. Our trainers are veteran facilitators and organizers who will leverage their real world experience to guide participants’ learning week-to-week through a set of core practices that we believe are fundamental to impactful relational organizing. They will lead participants through group lectures and small group sections built around real world practices, while simultaneously providing ongoing coaching throughout the 18 weeks.

Why is the course so long?

We believe that community organizing is a complex but learnable craft that requires focus and dedication to be developed. While so many of us are overwhelmed by the amount of work in the world, opportunities to receive intentional, sustained support are few and far between. This longer structure allows us to give each piece of our curriculum the time and attention it needs for participants to meaningfully grapple with how to apply it to their work.

Why is the course so expensive?

Running a course of this magnitude takes significant human resources. The $1,500–$2,500 cost will cover lodging, meals, and materials for the in-person convening, plus the full 16 weeks of online instruction and coaching. We strongly encourage interested applicants to speak with organizational leaders to request professional development funding, and our team is ready to help you advocate for resources if needed.

What costs are covered for the in-person convening?

re:power will provide lodging, materials, and meals while at the training space. We do not cover the cost of flights, ground transportation to and from the airport and hotel, or meals during travel.

What’s your COVID-19 protocol? What steps should I take before attending the in-person convening?

Please refer to our protocol here.

How much time should I expect to spend on the course?

Participants should expect to spend about 7 hours a week for coursework—including attending live webinar sessions, homework, and biweekly office hours.

What equipment or software do I need to be able to attend the course?

You will need a technological device capable of connecting to the Internet. Windows machines, Macs and Unix boxes all welcome. We will be using Zoom and request that whenever possible, we ask that you turn on the video function.

Will we receive copies of the materials I saw in class?

Yes. Copies of the slides, handouts and other supplementary materials will be available to all trainees. We thank you in advance for your feedback.

I have a disability/ need support or an accommodation.

We are dedicated to supporting all of our trainees in their learning. If you need an accommodation or additional support of any kind, please email grassroots@repower.org with “Accommodation Request” in the subject line and we’ll do what we can.

Past requests for support have included, but were not limited to: early access to materials, different colored hand outs, an alternative method for completing quizzes, requesting facilitators speak directly into the camera and more.

Questions? Please contact us at grassroots@repower.org

Grassroots Organizing: Strategy Academy

March 21, 2023

Overview

In life, we are all natural strategists. From simple things, like working out the best way to get to an appointment on time, or how to surprise a loved one with a holiday gift, to more serious challenges: figuring out how to meet our work deadlines, how to juggle kids, chores, work, and still finding a little time to rest, how to deal with loss and grief in challenging times.

Strategy is hard coded into our bodies. The question for organizers is: how do we become intentional about developing strategies that bring more people in, enable new people to take leadership, and that can be learned from so you can improve each time.

In this course, participants will learn and practice the Strategy components of our Grassroots Organizing framework. Using practice scenarios, you will have the opportunity to work with others to practice setting goals, doing basic power analysis, identifying key resources, and creating an escalating tactical timeline that moves you towards your objective. Just as importantly, you will have the chance to experience what collaborative strategy can look like so you can bring it back to your community.

Who is this course for?

  • Open to new things: Participants should be movement-focused people who want to learn a framework for organizing. We welcome folks who are totally new to organizing, or who have been doing organizing for some time but don’t feel like they have a good structure for it. 
  • Relational & people-focused: Ideal participants are excited to build relationships, to invest in the leadership of others, and to build teams of purpose-driven leaders.
  • Involved in movement work: We seek to support organizers who are currently part of an organizing effort or are seeking to build one alongside others they know.

Ideal applicants come from all walks of life, from seasoned organizers and campaigners looking to sharpen their skills, to beginners who are passionate about organizing and want to start their learning journey. Here are some attributes shared by all our applicants:

Organizing Insight: You don’t need to be a professional organizer but we’re looking for applicants with some experience doing organizing and/or community-building work on the ground. That work can be tied to grassroots, electoral, and/or issue organizing. We seek to support people who are currently part of an organizing/community-building effort or are seeking to develop one.

Dedication to Inclusive Politics and Intersectional Solutions: At re:power, we center race, class, gender and sexuality across all our trainings—it’s part of our practice of inclusive politics. We want organizers to be open to new ideas regarding it and to the ideas and contributions from their fellow organizers who will reflect our diverse communities.

Course Expectations

This is an interactive course with live practice. We ask participants to write in the chat box, share verbally, and participate in breakout group discussion. During breakouts, all participants will be asked to practice. We encourage, but do not require, participants to turn on video at all times, and especially during breakout discussions. If you are unable or unwilling to practice during breakouts, we ask that you let our Lead Trainer know, and you will not be placed in a breakout room. While we will respect that choice, we offer that this course may not be for you as the bulk of the learning happens in the breakout practice.

Lesson Plan

Introduction to Organizing & Leadership; Basics of Leadership Teams

  • Learn about the power of grassroots organizing as a power building tool
  • Learn about leadership as a practice of enabling others to achieve purpose
  • Practice setting up the basic pillars of effective interdependent leadership teams

Strategy 1: Power & Goals

  • Learn how to set effective, clear strategic goals that center recruiting others as the main tool for growth
  • Practice power analysis: understanding yourself, your constituency, and the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents
  • Practice laying out a theory of change and a strategic goal

Strategy 2: Tactics & Timeline

  • Learn the principles of effective, engaging, motivating tactics
  • Practice brainstorming & analyzing tactics based on the resources available to your constituency
  • Practice building a tactical escalation timeline that can guide your strategy

Apply by October 18

Type Training
Category Movement Building
Cost Sliding scale* $50–200 (full cost)
Dates November 1 –November 15
Location Online
Time Wednesdays 6:00-8:00 pm ET
Apply

*We believe people with more wealth, privilege, and access to money—and who benefit from systems of oppression—should pay more.

If you work at an organization with more than 60 employees, please ask your employer to cover the full cost of this training. If there’s anything that would help you make the request, please let us know.We know that this might be a new way of looking at things. Please reach out to grassroots@repower.org if you have any questions.

Additional Information

What do people do with their re:power grassroots organizing training?

Leaders trained in this curriculum have gone on to be organizers, leaders, trainers, and coaches in organizations all across the country and the world. Our participants work at institutions that organize at the local, state and federal level.

What’s the schedule? Can I come at different times each week?

Each week we will offer one unique session. Each session will run approximately 120 minutes in length and may include optional homework.

Attendance in all sessions is requested and encouraged, as each session builds upon the previous one, and missing sessions will hurt not only your own learning, but that of your peers as the practices are collaborative. Ultimately we understand the complex lives of organizers and people during the time of COVID, and so each session will also be recorded and available afterwards.

How much time should I expect to spend on the course?

Participants should set aside about 2–3 hours a week for coursework—including attending live webinar sessions, homework, and biweekly office hours.

What equipment or software do I need to be able to attend the course?

You will need a technological device capable of connecting to the Internet. Windows machines, Macs and Unix boxes all welcome. We will be using Zoom and request that whenever possible, you turn on the video function.

Will we receive copies of the materials I saw in class?

Yes. Copies of the slides, handouts and other supplementary materials will be available to all trainees. We thank you in advance for your feedback.

I have a disability/ need support or an accommodation.

We are dedicated to supporting all of our trainees in their learning. If you need an accommodation or additional support of any kind, please email grassroots@repower.org

Past requests for support have included, but were not limited to: early access to materials, different colored hand outs, an alternative method for completing quizzes, requesting facilitators speak directly into the camera and more.

Questions? Please contact us at grassroots@repower.org

Camp re:power

March 20, 2023

Overview

At re:power, we believe that electoral politics and movement-building are deeply connected, and that our elected leaders must reflect our community leaders. Building on the legacy of Camp Wellstone, Camp re:power is an in-person training space designed specifically for BIPOC grassroots organizers, data strategists and campaign managers, with the aim of deepening and strengthening movement infrastructure and capacity.

Taking place June 13–15, Camp re:power will provide participants with the support they need to sharpen their foundational field, digital, and base building organizing skills, develop rigorous and transformative campaign plans that build state-based political power, and cultivate their emotional fortitude in preparation for the upcoming 2024 elections. Focus areas are offered based on your role in progressive organizing, each with a distinctive curriculum taught by some of the nation’s leading experts in grassroots politics and organizing.

With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, we know that far-right and fundamentalist candidates will be on the rise, consuming our media attention and ratcheting up the anxiety of organizers who fought through and survived the presidency of Trump in 2016. Camp re:power’s ultimate goal is to reorient organizers to a long-arc approach of building power and to the critical role of relational organizing and canvassing in defending our democracy from authoritarian extremism. “365 organizing”—that is, off-cycle organizing—is the mantra of Camp re:power and we want to orient participants to understand elections as one of the many vehicles to stake a claim in building and maintaining political power for our communities.

The success of this convening space will encourage more base-building organizations and organizers to utilize elections as a relational organizing tool to find their people, organize around issues that directly impact their base, and take power back from those who seek to undermine our democracy. We expect participants to not shy away from organizing opportunities that meet our people where they are currently and organize them towards a more radical, freer future by leaning into campaign strategy through an electoral justice lens.

We will be re-convening participants for a 2-day virtual session September 13–14, where we will check back in on campaign planning, organizational development, and provide coaching and feedback so that participants have the support they need to execute their big, bold plans. We will also develop participants’ capacity to train others so that they can take what they learn back to their organizations, creating a larger ecosystem of skilled campaign organizers and political strategists for generations to come.

Who is this for?

  • Organizers, Field Directors, Data Strategists, and Digital Organizers who want to build  inclusive, strategic and positive movements and strategies
  • Folks who have 2+ years of base building and/or progressive organizing experience
  • Experienced managers with strong interpersonal and organizational communication skills
  • Leaders with a commitment to racial, gender and economic equity 
  • Previous experience working in metrics-driven issue-based and electoral campaigns
  • Individuals who believe and/or want to understand harnessing electoral power and grassroots organizing as tools to building political power and creating lasting change
  • Folks who would like to hone any of the skills listed above

Ideal applicants come from all walks of life, from seasoned organizers and campaigners looking to sharpen their skills, to beginners who are passionate about organizing and want to start their learning journey. Here are some attributes shared by all our applicants:

Appetite for learning: We are interested in organizers and campaign practitioners who are eager to develop their skills further and are committed to learning and growth.

Organizing insight: You don’t need to be a professional politico, but we’re looking for applicants with experience doing organizing work on the ground. That work can be tied to grassroots, electoral, and/or issue organizing. We seek to support organizers who are currently part of a campaign effort or are seeking to build one.

Dedication to inclusive politics and intersectional solutions: At re:power, we center race, class, gender and sexuality across all our trainings – it’s part of our practice of inclusive politics. We want organizers to be open to new ideas regarding it and to the ideas and contributions from their fellow organizers who will reflect our diverse communities.

Expectations

  • This is a dynamic experience and if you are applying, you should prepare to be fully present and engaged throughout.
  • We will meet in-person June 13–15 and we will request proof of vaccination and a negative rapid COVID test within 24 hours of the convening from all participants.
    • To maximize connection and community-building during in-person gatherings, we will not be offering a hybrid virtual option.
  • On September 13 and 14, we will reconvene participants virtually to check back in on campaign plans and provide continued coaching and support.
    • For the virtual sessions, we ask that participants actively engage by using the chat function, coming off mute to share verbally, and participating in breakout group discussions. If you are able, we strongly encourage participants to turn on video during virtual sessions.

Curriculum/Training Plan

Training topics for the in-person convening June 13–15 will include:

  • Developing a Transformative and Winning Field Plan
  • Campaign Messaging & Communications
  • Strategy Development 
  • Strategic Ballot Measures Organizing to Defend Our Rights
  • Campaign Budgeting and Fundraising
  • Digital Organizing & Data Bootcamp
  • Base Building and Direct Voter Contact
  • Building a Volunteer Program and Ladder of Engagement
  • Introduction to Digital Organizing and Finding Our People Online
  • Leveraging C4s vs. C3s to Build Power
  • Internal Team Management/Building Healthy Campaign Culture

We will be meeting in person for this training. Please read our latest COVID-19 protocol before proceeding with your application.

COVID-19 Protocol

Apply by April 28, 2023

Type Training
Category Civic Engagement / Movement Building
Cost Sliding scale* $1,000–2,500 (full cost)
Dates June 13 –June 15
Location North Carolina + online
Apply

In-person Convening

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Dates:
Jun 13, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Jun 14, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Jun 15, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Virtual Convening

Dates:
Sep 13 & Sep 14

*We believe people with more wealth, privilege, and access to money—and who benefit from systems of oppression—should pay more. If you work at an organization with more than 60 employees, please ask your employer to cover the full cost of this training. If there’s anything that would help you make the request, please let us know.

We know that this might be a new way of looking at things. Please reach out to civicengagement@repower.org if you have any questions.

Additional Information

What do people do with their re:power civic engagement training?

re:power alumni have gone on to be campaign managers, trainers, and field directors on presidential, national, and local issue campaigns. Engineers for grassroots organizations, non-profits, and tech companies. They’ve also grown their own organizations, and become successful career-long committed organizers in national and local movements. Our participants work at institutions that organize, mobilize, and build power at the local, state and federal level.

What’s the in-person schedule?

We will be convening for breakfast at 9 am each morning, with content beginning promptly at 10 am. Content should finish by 7 pm each evening (with lunch, snacks, and breaks throughout the day), and dinner will be provided at 7 pm. On Thursday, we will wrap up everything by 2 pm to allow for travel.

What’s your COVID-19 protocol? What steps should I take before attending Camp re:power?

Please refer to our protocol here.

What equipment or software do I need to be able to attend the course?

There are no technical requirements to attend Camp re:power. We will provide notebooks for all participants. If possible, we ask all accepted attendees to bring a laptop computer capable of connecting to the Internet and downloading content slides for in-session review, but it is not mandatory to participate. If you do not have a laptop you should not be deterred from attending Camp re:power.

Do you offer scholarships or other forms of financial assistance?

re:power will be covering food and lodging for all participants for the in-person convening and we have a limited amount of travel assistance to offset the cost of airfare, for those who need it. If you work for an organization, please first request that your employer cover the full cost of your travel.

Will we receive copies of the materials I saw at the training?

Yes. Copies of the slides, handouts and other supplementary materials will be available to all trainees. We thank you in advance for your feedback.

I have a disability/ need support or an accommodation.

We are dedicated to supporting all of our trainees in their learning. If you need an accommodation or additional support of any kind, please email civicengagement@repower.org with “Accommodation Request” in the subject line and we’ll do what we can.

Past requests for support have included, but were not limited to: early access to materials, different colored hand outs, an alternative method for completing quizzes, requesting facilitators speak directly into the camera and more.

Questions? Please contact us at civicengagement@repower.org

Digital Organizer School

February 2, 2023

Overview

The Digital Organizer School (DOS) is re:power’s core offering for progressive organizers, digital practitioners, and communicators who are looking to build technical skills and invest in strategic ability and leadership within the movement. Applicants will be asked to commit to full participation which includes a pre-training online gathering and a 5-day in-person training. 

Digital Organizer School is an intensive 5-day training designed to meet people at different points in their career. Whether you are brand new to digital organizing or have been practicing for 1–3 years, you will discover new skills and tools, new strategies and approaches for your work and new relationships with others across the movement. We emphasize strategic decision-making and leadership development to make the training a powerful experience for participants at all levels.

At DOS, you’ll learn how to execute essential digital tactics such as writing effective emails, shifting dominant narratives, online ads, organizing on emerging media platforms, and analytics. You’ll also focus on strategic decision-making and developing digital organizing plans that will be most impactful in your unique community. Finally, you’ll invest in your own leadership at your organization or campaign. This emphasis on strategic decisions and leadership development makes the training a powerful experience for participants who arrive with varying levels of digital organizing experience. 

The program begins with an intensive 4-day in-person training where you’ll work in teams to practice what you’re learning through a campaign simulation. At the end of the week, you’ll present your work to the full group and receive feedback from trainers. Upon returning home, you’ll receive continued support as you implement what you’ve learned through trainer office hours and options to take other re:power online courses.

Who is this course for?

  • Field Organizers and Communications folks who are new to the digital organizing landscape
  • Digital Organizers with under 3 years of experience
  • People who want to learn how to integrate a digital program into their current organizing campaign
  • Folks who work for organizations with a digital presence but would like to learn how to be in the role of digital organizing and engagement

Ideal applicants come from all walks of life, from seasoned organizers and campaigners looking to sharpen their skills, to beginners who are passionate about organizing and want to start their learning journey. Here are some attributes shared by all our applicants:

Openness to New Things: Whether you have years of experience in sending email blasts and setting up online ads or are brand new to digital organizing, we are interested in organizers who are excited about challenging themselves to learn new ways of doing the work and partnering with others to come up with creative solutions. People should come ready to be present and engaged.

Organizing Insight: You don’t need to be a professional politico, but we’re looking for applicants with experience doing organizing work on the ground. That work can be tied to grassroots, electoral, and/or issue organizing. We seek to support organizers who are currently part of a campaign effort or are seeking to build one.

Dedication to Inclusive Politics and Intersectional Solutions: At re:power, we center race, class, gender and sexuality across all our trainings—it’s part of our practice of inclusive politics. We want organizers to be open to new ideas regarding it and to the ideas and contributions from their fellow organizers who will reflect our diverse communities.

Curriculum/ Training topics

  • Writing emails 
  • Building strong digital relationships with your supporters
  • Challenging dominant narratives & incorporating stories into your online campaigns
  • Analytics & Testing 
  • Online Advertising 
  • Mobile Campaigning 
  • Digital Security
  • TikTok and New Media
  • Online Fundraising 
  • Storytelling Online 
  • Content Creation & Design for the Movement

We will be meeting in person for this course. Please read our latest COVID-19 protocol before proceeding with your application.

COVID-19 Protocol

Applications Closed

Type Training
Category Movement Technology
Cost Sliding scale* $2,000–3,500 (full cost)
Dates Mar 27, Mar 28, Mar 29, Mar 30, Mar 31,
Location Austin, TX

*We believe people with more wealth, privilege, and access to money—and who benefit from systems of oppression—should pay more. If you work at an organization with more than 60 employees, please ask your employer to cover the full cost of this training. If there’s anything that would help you make the request, please let us know.

We know that this might be a new way of looking at things. Please reach out to digital@repower.org if you have any questions.

Additional Information

What do people do with their DOS training?

DOS alumni have gone on to be national, regional and deputy digital directors on presidential and national issue campaigns; they tell stories and organize people online at grassroots organizations, non-profits, and tech companies; they are campaign managers, state directors, trainers and much more.

What’s the schedule?

We will be convening for optional breakfast at 9 am each morning, with content beginning at 10 am. Content should finish by 6 pm each evening (with lunch and breaks throughout the day), and dinner will be provided at 6 pm. On Friday, we will wrap up everything by 1 pm to allow for travel.

What’s your COVID-19 protocol? What steps should I take before attending DOS?

Please refer to our protocol here.

What equipment or software do I need to be able to attend the course?

There are a few technical requirements to attend DOS. If possible, we ask all accepted attendees to bring a laptop computer capable of connecting to the Internet and downloading applications. Windows machines, Macs and Unix boxes all welcome. If you do not have a laptop which fits all these criteria, please indicate so in your application so we can try to provide a machine for use during the training.

Do you offer scholarships or other forms of financial assistance?

re:power will be covering food for all participants for the full 5 days and we have a limited amount of travel assistance to offset the cost of airfare, for those who need it. If you work for an organization, please first request that your employer cover the full cost of your travel.

I have a disability/ need support or an accommodation.

We are dedicated to supporting all of our trainees in their learning. If you need an accommodation or additional support of any kind, please email digital@repower.org with “Accommodation Request” in the subject line and we’ll do what we can.

Past requests for support have included, but were not limited to: early access to materials, different colored hand outs, an alternative method for completing quizzes, requesting facilitators speak directly into the camera and more.

Questions? Please contact us at digital@repower.org

Grassroots Organizing: Storytelling Academy

December 16, 2022

Overview

Through narrative and storytelling, we—as individuals, communities and nations—can learn how to make choices in response to the challenges of the uncertain world we live in. Narrative is how we communicate our values through stories, bringing alive the motivation we need for changing the world. Because it engages the head and the heart, narrative can instruct and inspire, not only teaching us about why we should act but also moving us to take action.

In this course, participants will learn the public narrative framework and will develop stories about why they are called to leadership (“story of self”), how their values are connected to the collective values of their communities (“story of us”), and what challenges to our values demand urgent action (“story of now”). They will also learn how to effectively coach and support others in developing and sharing their stories.

Who is this course for?

  • Open to new things: Participants should be movement-focused people who want to learn a framework for organizing. We welcome folks who are totally new to organizing, or who have been doing organizing for some time but don’t feel like they have a good structure for it. 
  • Relational & people-focused: Ideal participants are excited to build relationships, to invest in the leadership of others, and to build teams of purpose-driven leaders.
  • Involved in movement work: We seek to support organizers who are currently part of an organizing effort or are seeking to build one alongside others they know.

Ideal applicants come from all walks of life, from seasoned organizers and campaigners looking to sharpen their skills, to beginners who are passionate about organizing and want to start their learning journey. Here are some attributes shared by all our applicants:

Organizing Insight: You don’t need to be a professional organizer but we’re looking for applicants with some experience doing organizing and/or community-building work on the ground. That work can be tied to grassroots, electoral, and/or issue organizing. We seek to support people who are currently part of an organizing/community-building effort or are seeking to develop one.

Dedication to Inclusive Politics and Intersectional Solutions: At re:power, we center race, class, gender and sexuality across all our trainings—it’s part of our practice of inclusive politics. We want organizers to be open to new ideas regarding it and to the ideas and contributions from their fellow organizers who will reflect our diverse communities.

Course Expectations

This is an interactive course with live practice. We ask participants to write in the chat box, share verbally, and participate in breakout group discussion. During breakouts, all participants will be asked to practice. We encourage, but do not require, participants to turn on video at all times, and especially during breakout discussions. If you are unable or unwilling to practice during breakouts, we ask that you let our Lead Trainer know, and you will not be placed in a breakout room. While we will respect that choice, we offer that this course may not be for you as the bulk of the learning happens in the breakout practice.

Lesson Plan

Narrative for Leadership & Story of Self

  • Learn about the power of storytelling as a leadership tool
  • Practice developing and sharing a personal narrative
  • Practice asking curious questions and coaching others’ narratives

Story of Us

  • Learn how to use group narratives to intervene in moments of crisis, and elevate moments of celebration
  • Practice developing and sharing community narratives that motivate & inspire people
  • Practice asking curious questions and coaching others’ narratives

Story of Now & Linked Narratives

  • Learn how to use stories of urgency and opportunity to agitate and motivate action
  • Practice developing and sharing stories that cut through the noise and focus activity
  • Practice asking curious questions and coaching others’ narratives

Applications closed

Type Training
Category Movement Building
Cost Sliding scale* $50–200 (full cost)
Dates October 4 –October 25
Location Online
Time Wednesdays 6:00-8:00 pm ET

*We believe people with more wealth, privilege, and access to money—and who benefit from systems of oppression—should pay more.

If you work at an organization with more than 60 employees, please ask your employer to cover the full cost of this training. If there’s anything that would help you make the request, please let us know.We know that this might be a new way of looking at things. Please reach out to grassroots@repower.org if you have any questions.

Additional Information

What do people do with their re:power grassroots organizing training?

Leaders trained in this curriculum have gone on to be organizers, leaders, trainers, and coaches in organizations all across the country and the world. Our participants work at institutions that organize at the local, state and federal level.

What’s the schedule? Can I come at different times each week?

Each week we will offer one unique session. Each session will run approximately 120 minutes in length and may include optional homework.

Attendance in all sessions is requested and encouraged, as each session builds upon the previous one, and missing sessions will hurt not only your own learning, but that of your peers as the practices are collaborative. Ultimately we understand the complex lives of organizers and people during the time of COVID, and so each session will also be recorded and available afterwards.

How much time should I expect to spend on the course?

Participants should set aside about 2–3 hours a week for coursework—including attending live webinar sessions, homework, and biweekly office hours.

What equipment or software do I need to be able to attend the course?

You will need a technological device capable of connecting to the Internet. Windows machines, Macs and Unix boxes all welcome. We will be using Zoom and request that whenever possible, you turn on the video function.

Will we receive copies of the materials I saw in class?

Yes. Copies of the slides, handouts and other supplementary materials will be available to all trainees. We thank you in advance for your feedback.

I have a disability/ need support or an accommodation.

We are dedicated to supporting all of our trainees in their learning. If you need an accommodation or additional support of any kind, please email grassroots@repower.org

Past requests for support have included, but were not limited to: early access to materials, different colored hand outs, an alternative method for completing quizzes, requesting facilitators speak directly into the camera and more.

Questions? Please contact us at grassroots@repower.org

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