Opportunities to Make a Difference
The Generation Change Leadership Directory highlights opportunities for young adults, mid-career organizers, and experienced leaders to develop professional skills, expand their knowledge of organizing techniques and service learning programs, and learn what it takes to be effective movers and shakers for community and national change.
The Directory is organized as follows:
Community Organizations:
These organizations are on the front lines working to make a difference in poor and disenfranchised communities across America. Organizers recruit and train leaders, engage in research and strategic planning, and strengthen civic infrastructure. Training and employment opportunities are offered at both independent community organizations and larger organizing networks with local affiliates.
Electoral Trainings:
Training opportunities involve every aspect of non-partisan electoral engagement, including voter registration and education, community outreach, candidate training, and effective media techniques.
Intern and Fellowship Programs:
Internships provide an excellent opportunity for youth and college students to get a taste of community organizing and the non-profit world. Some fellowships support emerging talent, while others offer experienced organizers a chance to relax and reflect.
Issue/Constituency Specific Training Programs:
Programs focus on building organizing skills within specific issues or constituencies, such as the environment, immigration, and online networks.
Public Service Programs:
Participants engage in service to low-income communities across the country, in exchange for a stipend and/or educational assistance.
Training Institutes and Resource Centers:
Training here is generally open to all, and not tied to a specific community organization or network. Centers offer short and longer term training and skill-building to organizers, non-profit leaders, policy makers, and others.
Unions and Union-Support Organizations:
Programs include a number of entry level and advanced union and union-friendly trainings that educate participants to effectively organize low-wage workers.
Youth/Student Organization:
Training opportunities are specifically focused on developing the skills and capacities of youth in communities and on college campuses.
This list is just a beginning; we would appreciate your suggestions, changes and additions as we further develop the Generation Change Leadership Directory in the future. Please email additions and comments to Susan Chinn, Director of Leadership Development, at schinn@www.communitychange.org.
