When people act on their vision and values and come together to achieve change in their communities, they are exercising true leadership. An important part of community organizing is LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT — giving each person respect, support, and the opportunity to speak and act for themselves. Leadership development is integral to our vision of creating truly just and democratic communities across western Colorado.
'On the Job' Training
Our Alliance approaches leadership development as a process, not a single event, that occurs throughout our issue work. Our organizers help individuals learn new skills as they work on public lands or clean energy or participate in our annual People's Lobby Trip to Denver. Learning comes from doing, whether it's planning a meeting, speaking in public, or fundraising. Organizers prep people with the tools they need, support their actions, and follow up to keep improving.
Workshops
Our Alliance's organizers offer workshops throughout the year as well as an afternoon full of opportunities at our Annual Conference in August. Topics can range from using social media in organizing to the basics of planning an issue campaign. Email jeriel@westerncoloradoalliance.org if you are interested in setting up a training to get more information.
Principles of Community Organizing
Our Alliance also has a tremendous resource in trainings offered through the Western Organization of Resources Councils. WORC’s four-day Principles of Community Organizing (POCO) is offered twice a year at varying locations within WORC’s seven-state network. One- or two-day “mini-POCOs” can be arranged when one community identifies specific needs in its organizing work.