From May 13-15, 35 new organizers representing 16 CPD affiliates from across the US and Puerto Rico gathered in Brooklyn’s Mayday Space for a three-day new organizer training. The training, designed to support emerging base-building organizers with fewer than two years of experience in the field, was led by members of CPD’s base-building team from New York City and Detroit.

The training covered a number of key organizing fundamentals and tactics, ranging from ideology and organizer’s math to leadership development and healing justice. The training also addressed many of the shared challenges faced by new organizers while foregrounding solidarity, hope, and collaboration.

“As a new organizer, this training helped me to learn about some very important concepts, tactics, and habits that will help to ground me in the work,” said participant Lisa De Paoli of the Center for Coalfield Justice in Pennsylvania. “I’ve learned that some of the difficulties that I am having aren’t uncommon. I really welcome the sense of camaraderie that I feel here and the hope to continue.”

Using roleplays, case study discussions, community-building circles, and other methods, the training sought to center reflection and practice, and served as both a laboratory and sanctuary for participants to practice the skills essential for developing effective base-building programs. While observing a simulated organizer’s lab during a visit to the training, CPD Co-Executive Director Ana Maria Archila said, “This is where we become a network.” Participant Steven Merrick of Maryland Communities United echoed that sentiment and highlighted the peer relationships that developed during the three-day training.

“I have gained a vast amount of knowledge that I can take back and teach others,” he said. “My favorite part of this training is the relationships that I built with other participants. I didn’t expect to learn love during this training.”

CPD affiliates and other organizers will convene in July at the People’s Convention in Detroit and at CPD CAMP in November. We hope to see you there!