Transformative Organising

NEON is excited to host the latest version of our Transformative Organising programme this September for organisers working towards economic, social and environmental justice in Birmingham and the West Midlands. 

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This two-day programme will give you the tools, techniques and confidence to develop as an organiser that can build a base with those at the sharp end of the crisis, create strategic, escalating campaigns and develop politically conscious leaders. 

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Transformative Organising seeks to:

  • Transform the conditions we live in
  • Transform who has power in society, long term 
  • Transform ourselves and our capacity 

By focusing on the values, vision and shared injustices we face, Transformative Organising enables the transformation of both the individual and society that is necessary for large-scale systemic change. NEON’s approach to Transformative Organising focuses on strengthening the long term capacity of organisers and the communities they work within, and it is built on a commitment to strong and accountable organising structures and is rooted in social justice and anti-oppression. 

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Core Details:

Dates: Saturday Sept. 28 and Sunday Sept. 29 (must be able to attend both days)

Location: Signing Tree Venue, Birmingham, B16 8SZ

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Applications will close at midnight on Monday, August 19th

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Apply for this training now

Deadline to apply

August 19, 2024

This programme's applications are now closed. Check back later to apply for the next round.

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Key outcomes

Participants will learn how to:

  • Take a systematic approach to building your base with those at the sharp end of the crisis.
  • Develop strategic, escalating campaigns underpinned by a collective analysis of the problem.
  • Raise our political consciousness and leadership capacity at every step of the way whilst building alliances and solidarity locally, nationally and internationally.
  • Build an effective organisational structure and culture that aligns with our values.

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Who is this training for?

This training is for anyone in Birmingham and West Midlands who has the opportunity and desire to organise in a transformative way. That means you’ll be part of a group, organisation or community that has the potential to adopt this approach or develop it further. You may be an experienced organiser or you might be just starting to develop your skills. You might be working on poverty, health, housing, climate justice, migrant rights, or another issue with economic, social, or environmental justice at its heart. We will prioritise places for those with direct experience of the issue they’re seeking to challenge. 

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We are seeking participants who are:

  • Part of formal or more informal organisations or groups that are campaigning to improve the lives of people in the community and seek to use a community organising and base-building approach 
  • Intentionally working to bring those most affected by this issue into your campaign 
  • Committed to organising and making long-term change in Birmingham
  • Keen to develop their practical and strategic skills as an organiser 
  • Understand the importance of self-development and working with others 
  • Demonstrate solidarity and commitment to anti-oppression

NEON training cohorts are made up of people who understand the importance of self and collective care to the work we do, and believe that building and sustaining a culture based on anti-oppression, deep understanding and solidarity is central to the change we want to see. We would also hope that participants would be open to being a part of continuing to work with NEON and collaborate with other participants on the programme. 

What does the programme involve?

We’ll explore the content as a whole group and in smaller groups through interactive activities, workshops and discussions. We have a team of experienced trainers and facilitators to help you unpack the learning and apply it to your own organisations and campaigns.

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Content will include:

  • How to choose what issue to focus on and what kind of criteria you might use to inform this strategic decision
  • How to use power mapping to chart who is our target, who can give us what we want, how might we influence them and who might help us
  • How you build your base, including how to do different forms of outreach to bring people in, how to do a 121, how to run an effective meeting, and how to take a systematic approach to base building
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Application process

To help us make sure that Transformative Organising is the right training for you we ask all participants to answer a few questions. You can either write your answers in this application form or record a video or audio application and email it to hello@neweconomyorganisers.org. Places on the training are limited and we ask that you confirm you can attend both days in full before we offer you a place. 

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Please email hello@neweconomyorganisers.org if you have any questions, if you need any support with this process, or if the form isn't working as it should.

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During the training programme, we can provide printed slides and our workbooks in other formats. In the application form there is space to tell us about what additional support you may need to participate in the programme, including the potential for travel and child care costs.

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Applications will close at midnight on Monday, August 19th.

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Fees

Transformative Organising is free to attend, and we will provide meals and refreshments during the programme.

Running date

Saturday Sept. 28 and Sunday Sept. 29

Additional information

Apply for this training now
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