[van-announce] The School for Grassroots Organizing Deadline Approaching

[Martha Roberts]

*Are you interested in social justice? Do you want to take action to improve
conditions in your community?
Do you want to build skills for making change?*

*The School for Grassroots Organizing might be the answer for you!*

Initiated by the Bus Riders Union in January 2004, the school draws on the
skills, knowledge, and varied experience of hands-on organizers at
the*Organizing Centre
for Social and Economic Justice* to train new as well as experienced
activists and organizers in strategic organizing. The model of organizing
emphasizes a critical understanding of the world around us and a practice
that organizes our working class communities to meet concrete immediate
needs while struggling for long-term systemic change.

Our school graduates are working with a variety of grassroots organizations,
unions, and popular movements internationally!  The skills participants will
gain during the course of the school are unlike those taught at any formal
educational institution, and prepare participants to take leadership as well
as apply essential critical thinking skills.

Participating organizations include: the Bus Riders Union, the
Alliance forPeople's Health, and the Organizing Centre Labour
Committee.

*How is the school organized?*

The School for Grassroots Organizing combines theory and practice. As well
as attending popular education classes, and doing the provided readings,
participants will actively integrate with one of the participating
organizations to learn by doing guided by experienced organizers developing
strategies and leading campaigns for social change.

*Who is the school for?*

For new and experienced activists and organizers who are hardworking, eager
to sharpen their theory and practice, and to train for a lifetime of
organizing for social and economic justice.

*Session Topics:*

January 17:  Understanding Class and Capitalism
January 24:  Tools for Organizing: Direct Contact Organizing and Popular
Education
January 31:  Racism and National Liberation
February 7:  Strategic Organizing: “You're only get what you're organized to
take”
February 21: Is Capitalism a Disease?: Dual Power and Institutions of Class
Power
February 28:  Patriarchy and Women's Liberation
March 7:  Models of Organizing for Social Justice
March 14:  International Solidarity and Movement Building

*How to Apply!*

Read over the brochure, complete the attached application, and send it back
to us by January 3, 2010.  We will contact you for a mini-interview and
discussion of how you would best learn from the school.  Applicants will
receive final acceptance and read packages by January 10, 2010.

*NOTE:* participation in all sessions is required for first time
schoolparticipants - this is not a drop in and content builds from one
session to
the next.  Please note on your application if you are unable to attend any
of the sessions.
The school fills up and every year we turn away applicants. If you are
interested in the school - do not delay - apply today!

For more information, contact:

The Alliance for People's Health
allianceforpeopleshealth at gmaill.com
604 215 2775

-- 
Martha Roberts, Registered Midwife
South Community Birth Program
www.scbp.ca
http://philippinessolidarity2008.blogspot.com
http://maslamanibrigade.blogspot.com/

"Remember, the storm is a good opportunity for the pine and the cypress to
show their strength and their stability." Ho Chi Minh