“Yuk, I just got networked!”

In a field that’s all too often about numbers (bums in seats at events, doors knocked on, dollars raised) and labels (“voter”, “supporter”, “donor”)…how can we center the work on real people, and their hopes, fears, aspirations, and values? How do we build authentic and meaningful relationships and turn that into power in political campaigns?

Meaningful relationships based on shared values and mutual commitments are at the heart of political organizing—and there is a method on how to create those relationships. While relationship building may be something we do every day, it takes practice to build them in a way that is intentional, generative, and transformative in a political campaign.

We will hear from two speakers on how they’ve harnessed the power of relationships in their work at the forefront of political campaigns in Canada

• The Honourable Thomas Mulcair, Former Leader of the Opposition, Parliament of Canada, past Minister of the Environment, Government of Québec, university professor, and Canadian national political commentator
• Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, Activist Resource Person at the Climate Justice Organizing Hub, organizer, activist-researcher, and educator.

This is an interactive session focused on practicing relational organizing skills – participants will have the opportunity to practice relational 1:1’s in breakout rooms within the context of political campaigns.

Join us on September 6th at 10am Eastern Time for the 3rd session in the LCN political organizing series – to develop your relationship building skills in political organizing as a way to build meaningful connections, inspire action, and win campaigns!

A lawyer and social worker by profession, Mike is currently executive director of the Institute for Change Leaders (ICL) in Canada. He is currently a teaching fellow for the Leadership, Organizing, and Change course at the Harvard Kennedy School. In his past life, Mike served as Legal Advisor to the Métis National Council, was executive director of the Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team, and coordinated Canada’s campaign for the International Criminal Court. He has delivered ICL’s people, power, and change programs across Canada including to students, union workers, survivors of sexual abuse, and minority women seeking to run for office. In 2023, Mike was elected City Councillor in his home municipality of Kawartha Lakes. He is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and lives in Fenelon Falls with his young children: Gabe & Abigail.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand why relationship building is a key leadership practice for political organizers
• Explore ways that relationship building can be used in political campaigns, such as relational 1:1’s and deep canvassing
• Hear examples of how organizers and leaders have used relationship building in their political campaigns
• Practice relational 1:1’s as a way of building meaningful relationships with volunteers, constituents, etc.

For more information about this event please contact Sachiko Osawa