Do you have a desire to step up and fight for a better, fairer, more just world? Our trainings are for you.
The Institute for Change Leaders (ICL) teaches the skills that organizers, activists and campaigners need to win social change. Our core curriculum comes from Marshall Ganz, a Harvard professor who codified the relationship-building organizational framework we teach after years of organizing with the Civil Rights and United Farm Workers movements.
"This was the best training I have completed in many years. The instructors were knowledgeable and the feedback from them has helped me in addressing the challenges in my advocacy campaigns. I highly recommend this training to anyone who is thinking of changing our world for the better."
- 2021 spring program graduate
Our flagship training on the fundamentals of community organizing teaches how to build power and win change. Usually held once per week over eight separate two-hour sessions, the Building Skills for Change program is based on the mastery of five key leadership practices: telling stories, building relationships, structuring teams, strategizing, and acting:
1. How to articulate a story of why we are called to lead, a story of the community we hope to mobilize, and a story of why we must act now.
2. How to build intentional relationships as the foundation of purposeful collective actions.
3. How to create structure that distributes power and responsibility and prioritizes leadership development.
4. How to strategize turning your resources into the power to achieve clear goals.
5. How to translate strategy into measurable, motivational, and effective action.
We offer a number of different training options, in-person or online, from multi-day courses on the fundamentals of community organizing to single evening sessions on specialized skills like social media and public speaking.
Take a look at our course offerings below. Don't see what you're looking for? Drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll work with you to develop a custom program that meets your needs.
People, Power, Change
Our flagship training on the fundamentals of community organizing teaches how to build people's power and win change.
Coaching & Leadership Practice
Take your community organizing skills to the next level with this advanced workshop series!
How to Lobby your Elected Representative
Our team will teach you how to effectively lobby your MP, MPP, city councillor or school board trustee.
Adaptive Leadership
Learn what you need to excel at leadership when there is no handbook.
