LCN Newsletter June 2024
In a world grappling with escalating crises, from the devastating Genocide on Gaza to escalating social inequities and the looming threat of climate change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, within our newly launched community organizing coaches training program, with 22 organizers from around the globe, a quiet sense of hope emerges – a hope we’re immensely proud of.
During a recent session on strategy coaching, I was struck by the participants’ eagerness to apply their newfound knowledge to real-world challenges. Already, before the program has even ended, they are developing innovative campaigns for change, reminding us that even amidst global turmoil, the power of collective action remains a potent force. In the face of daunting odds, they are choosing to step forward, not as solitary heroes, but as coaches and facilitators, ready to help others find their own voices and lead with purpose.
We invite you to read on and discover the inspiring work our community has been doing this past quarter. In this newsletter, you’ll find not only a glimpse of upcoming events but also a reflection of the remarkable dedication and passion that fuels our collective efforts.
Pre-order Marshall’s New Book
Marshall Ganz’s new book, People, Power, Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal, is a celebration of his 60 years of organizing, teaching, and learning alongside many organizers including those of us in the Leading Change Network.
It is available for pre-order on Amazon or Bookshop.org and can also be requested from your local independent bookseller.
Upcoming Events at LCN
Skills Practice Session: Tell an Urgent Story of Now
In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, the power of storytelling to inspire hope and action is more crucial than ever. Our upcoming Skill Practice Session on the Story of Now will equip you with the tools to craft narratives that resonate deeply and motivate your community to take meaningful steps toward change.
Orientation to Organizing: How a Small Community Created Big Change
Learn how a community in a small rural town successfully organized to improve conditions in nursing homes after the COVID-19 pandemic devastated their loved ones. At this event, you’ll get an introduction to the fundamental practices of community organizing and see how they were applied in a real-world campaign.
Public Narrative II: Responding to Disruptive Change
Build leadership skills for navigating change and uncertainty at the “Introduction to Public Narrative II: Responding to Disruptive Change” workshop on July 17th. Learn how to use the Empathetic Bridge framework and apply narrative tools for strategic interventions during challenging times. Led by Sarah ElRaheb-Dagher, an experienced educator and coach.
Hubs Leader Training
Empower your constituency and become a Hub Leader and facilitator of Action Learning Circles (ALCs)! This training on July 27th will equip you to guide groups through public narrative and community organizing practices via an ALC and relevant tools. Ideal for organizers, trainers, and practitioners seeking to strengthen their leadership, community’s skills and campaigns they’re running.
Upcoming Trainings at LCN
Join the Public Narrative Workshop
Join LCN’s immersive 2-day Public Narrative workshop on July 27-28 to harness the power of storytelling to build authentic relationships and drive meaningful action. Led by Harvard-trained and skilled narrator Rosi Greenberg, you’ll learn to craft and get coaching on your stories of Self, Us, Now and linking them together to inspire others to act on what matters most. Application Deadline: 1st July, 2024
News from LCN
Organizers Unite at LCN Annual Community Meet 2024: A Celebration of Collective Action
The Leading Change Network’s (LCN) recent annual gathering resonated with hope, resilience, and the power of collective action. Organizers from around the world united, sharing inspiring stories and insightful discussions that reaffirmed the importance of community organizing in today’s complex world. The event fostered deep connections, sparked rich conversations, and emphasized the importance of vulnerability, risk-taking, and building resilience in the pursuit of social change.
¡El Poder de las Historias! LCN’s First Spanish Story of Self Session a Success!
Leading Change Network’s inaugural “Story of Self” workshop in Spanish was a resounding triumph! 19 Latin American organizers and storytellers gathered to explore the power of narrative in fostering leadership and change. Led by expert facilitators, participants deepened their understanding of storytelling and shared their own inspiring journeys.
LCN’s Global Workshop Empowers Community Leaders to Drive Change
The Leading Change Network (LCN) recently concluded its first in-house global community organizing workshop, uniting 24 participants from 14 countries. This unique event, led by a team of experienced trainers and coaches, focused on equipping participants with essential skills in public narrative, relationship building, strategizing, and taking action.
LCN Refreshes Acknowledgments and Usage Guidelines in Participants’ Guide
The Acknowledgements and Restrictions of Use in Participants’ Guide for both Public Narrative and Organizing have been revised to better recognize the contributions of those who have helped shape the guide’s contents over the years. The update has been made in accordance with Marshall Ganz’s request to make LCN Resource Center a home and reference for new updated contents that evolve from his work.
New Resources on the Resource Center
RACCONTARE IL CAMBIAMENTO: A Guide to Organizing and Public Narrative
This training guide has been translated into Italian by Elena Stella. It delves into the five key practices of organizing and public narrative, based on the framework developed by Marshall Ganz. It provides a practical resource for those seeking to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios and effect tangible change.
Story of Self Skills Practice Session Video Recording in Spanish
This video recording from a session facilitated by Cynthia Jaramillo and Sam Gonzalez provides a foundational review of Public Narrative and the Story of Self framework. It explores the significance of key moments in personal narratives and offers practical guidance on coaching techniques.
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