General Semester
The general semester is the cornerstone of our work. It combines coach/ developing leader and project based models of community organizing education to create a powerful learning experience. Coaches and developing leaders take part in class together. Talented faculty draw participants into sessions in which they not only learn, but also share with and teach each other.
Outside of class sessions coaches and leaders meet to work on project of the developing leaders design. Coaches provide a listening ear and help the leader develop the project idea into reality.
Application: Developing Leader
Fall 2008 General Semester
5:30–8:30p.m. Tuesday evenings, Place TBA
August 12th: Coach Orientation 6:30-8:30pm
Goal:Understand the role of the coach in the GLC and begin to learn what resources are available both from the GLC and from fellow coaches. This session is for coaches only.
August 19th: Kick-off
Goal: Introduce coaches and developing leaders to the program, provide an opportunity to provide input for upcoming class sessions, and building relationships.
August 26th: Importance of Personal Values
Goal: Understand the importance of self knowledge and its role as the foundation for action toward positive social change.
September 9th: Self as Leader
Goal:Better understand and leverage individual strengths and challenges as leaders. Topics will address stylistic preferences, cultural differences in approaching leadership, philosophies and motivation.
September 16th: Transforming Conflict
Goal: Discover how your assumptions impact your behavior in conflict. Understand the differences between win/lose and win/win responses to conflict. Distinguish between positions and needs and learn how to state your needs.
September 23rd: Group work session and coach support (optional session)
Goal: Work together as a large group, small groups, or coach/leader teams to help each other with our projects.
October 7th: Conducting Effective Meetings
Goal:Learn basic tactics to encourage good group process for accomplishing goals and engaging organization members.
October 14th: Fundraising 101
Goal: Learn to make “an ask” as well as build an understanding of who donates and why.
October 28th:Working with Power
Goal: Understand why different power systems should be approached in distinct ways; practice some basic approaches
November 11th: Group work session and coach support (optional session)
Goal: Work together as a large group, small groups, or coach/leader teams to help each other with our projects.
November 18th: Getting People Engaged
Goal: : Understand key issues and learn tools for recruiting, engaging, and keeping volunteers and organization members.
November 25th: Working with the Media
Goal: : Learn the basics of writing media releases, “selling” your story, and talking with reporters.
December 2nd: Group work session and coach support (optional session)
Goal: Work together as a large group, small groups, or coach/leader teams to help each other with our projects.
December 9th: “Bringing People Together to Win with Collective Leadership Focused on Action”
Goal:Learn how to improve the effectiveness of your group using relational organizing techniques focused on creative community action and building of collective power.
December 16th: GRADUATION CELEBRATION!
Contact Grassroots Leadership College:
1321 E. Mifflin St., Suite 203, Madison, WI 53703 | Phone: (608) 441-0085
E-mail: amy@grassrootsleadershipcollege.org