Grassroots Organizers Training for Power
What is G.O.T. Power?
G.O.T. Power is an eight-week intensive training in the fundamental skills of community organizing. If you have the desire and commitment to make our city a better place, G.O.T. Power will give you:
real-world skills you need to be effective in your organizing,
expert advice from leaders in the field
a wide range of practical resources, hands on tools, and locally relevant information
a support system of other people who share your vision for a better world
What skills topics are covered?
The eight-week workshop series includes an introduction to direct action organizing which includes; power analysis, strategic planning, public speaking, planning a variety of public events, fundraising for justice, working with local media, becoming your own media, coalition-building, and transforming conflicts.
Who leads the workshops?
Each workshop is facilitated by community leaders highly experienced in that particular field. Over the course of eight weeks, you will learn directly from a variety of the Mid-South’s best organizers, outreach specialists, organizational planners and media people.
Who participates in G.O.T. Power?
G.O.T. Power attracts participants from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some are paid community organizers, some are community activists in their spare time, and some are in social service fields and want to incorporate a community organizing perspective into their work. Many others are people like you who want to learn more and get more involved in their communities. What unites us all is a vision to make our city a better place by building strong, powerful organizations of the people directly affected by the problems in our communities.
What topics are covered?
- Intro to Organizing
- Strategic Planning/Campaign Planning
Choosing an Issue • Organizing Models • Developing a Strategy • Guide to Tactics - Organizing Your Community
Building and Joining Coalitions • Recruiting • Outreach • Leadership • Faith-based Organizing - Planning Events and Running Effective Meetings
- Media and Public Speaking
- Transforming Conflict
- Grassroots Fundraising
- Direct Action
How do I sign up?
Contact the Mid South Peace and Justice Center and ask to register by calling (901)725-4990 or email us at allison@midsouthpeace.org. We hold sessions at least four times a year, contact us to find out when the next one starts and to reserve your space now. Participants must commit to attending all eight sessions. We will meet on Thursday evenings from 6-8 in the Mid South Peace and Justice Center, 1000 S. Cooper.
Congratulations to our grads from G.O.T Power.
G.O.T. Power V
Our first Spanish speaking class of community organizers!! Graduated on May 21, 2009.
G.O.T. Power IV
Graduated on March 19, 2009
G.O.T. Power I
Graduated on August 12, 2008
