Fall 2018 - Culture in Organizing
houston, tx
october 22, 2018–october 26, 2018
In Fall 2018, two cohorts of 38 and 25 basebuilding organizers, respectively, were convened for a Learning Circle in Houston, TX to build capacity in board development and media advocacy, and to discuss the role of culture in organizing.
TRAININGS AND CAPACITY BUILDING
At this convening, participants were offered the choice between trainings focused on board development & non-profit status and media advocacy.
Board Development and Non-Profit Status with Community Based Organizations focused on specific steps community based organizations and non-profits need to take in order to strengthen their boards and stay in compliance. This training clarified the different roles board members, executive directors, staff, and members and was led by PazyPuente.
Making the Case for Health Justice with Media Advocacy was led by Berkeley Media Studies Group and discussed key communication strategies designed to challenge oppressive systems and structures that undermine health and well-being. Participants also learned to reframe messages to counter audiences' default ways of thinking that can thwart community change efforts.
Culture in Organizing
In addition to capacity building, participants convened to discuss the role of culture in community organizing for health justice using a modified focus group process. The group worked off of a shared definition of culture, and identified barriers, opportunities, and best practices for using culture in community organizing and public health.
Related Materials
Video
Organizers from the Fall 2018 Learning Circle in Houston, TX share their reflections and takeaways from the experience. Watch the video.