24 Participants from 14 Countries Gather to Hone Organizing Skills and Develop Campaigns.

The Leading Change Network (LCN) recently hosted its first in-house global community organizing workshop, bringing together 24 participants from 14 countries and diverse backgrounds. This unique event aimed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to build collective agency and drive impactful campaigns.

The workshop was led by Rawan Zeine and Sarah ElRaheb. Marshall Ganz was also present to both open and close the workshop, as a guest speaker. The workshop focused on the five leadership practices of public narrative and storytelling, relationship building, structuring leadership teams, strategizing, and taking action. Additionally, a coaching module was offered to help participants navigate challenges and develop solutions. The workshop was also supported by rising upfront trainers Lacey Connelly, Sam Gonzale, and Shingai Mushayabasa, and a dedicated coaching team consisting of the aforementioned Sam, Lacey, Shingai, plus Samah Elous and Mustafa Monir. Andy Ornelas served as the coordinator, ensuring the smooth execution of the workshop.

The workshop took place over two weekends in April 2024, conducted entirely online via Zoom. This format allowed participants from around the world to connect and learn together. The experiential learning approach encouraged participants to “get on the bike” and practice their skills, receiving coaching and feedback along the way.

“These four days have been eye-opening for me as I was introduced to organizing as a leadership practice. The workshop helped me gain clarity on why I am called and how to proceed to enable my constituency to use the resources available to them to create the change they want.”

The workshop is a beginner workshop and is part of the Leading Change Academy’s overall plan to address global issues at various levels of leadership. The workshop also serves multiple strategic purposes for LCN. It provided a platform for training-of-trainers participants to practice teaching, served as a primer for the upcoming Coaching of the Coaches Training, and offered those new to organizing a comprehensive introduction. The event is part of LCN’s broader goal of bringing organizing to a global constituency and developing organizing leadership on a global scale.

Participants actively applied their learning by developing five campaigns during the workshop, tackling issues such as food justice in Somalia, environmental advocacy in Canada, and affordable housing in Berlin and Philadelphia, among others.

This workshop marked a special milestone for LCN as the first of its kind. It allowed the training-of-trainers cohort to put their learning into practice and served as a stepping stone for three participants to progress to the Coaching of the Coaches Training.

Participants expressed their enthusiasm for the workshop, highlighting its transformative impact. One participant shared, “These four days have been eye-opening for me as I was introduced to organizing as a leadership practice. The workshop helped me gain clarity on why I am called and how to proceed to enable my constituency to use the resources available to them to create the change they want.”

Another participant emphasized the comprehensive curriculum and supportive learning environment, stating, “This workshop not only enhanced my skills but also expanded my network, connecting me with like-minded individuals passionate about community improvement. I highly recommend it to anyone eager to learn about community organizing and committed to making a difference.”

LCN’s inaugural in-house global organizing workshop stands as a testament to the power of community-driven change. By equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to organize effectively, LCN is fostering a global network of leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities.