GROW (GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING WORKSHOPS)

September 18-20, 2009

Tanglewood 4-H Camp
(Ducktrap Road off US Route One, Lincolnville)

For New and Experienced Grassroots Organizers in Maine and beyond to Learn More about Creating Grassroots Social Change

Focusing this year on Organizational Development of Grassroots Groups
Why GROW New England? (GrassRoots Organizing Workshops)

We believe in a better world where there is:

*Respect for civil liberties;
*Commitment to nonviolent conflict resolution;
*Economic justice and rights for all;
*Affordable health care, housing, and education;
*A healthy environment and sustainable living practices;
*Celebration of diversity in age, race, gender, etc.

Join new and experienced activists from Northern New England as we:

Learn and teach about the “big picture” of social change.
Gain new organizing skills.
Learn about successful models throughout the region.
Celebrate successes.

Comments from past GROW weekends:

“It was the best experience of my life. The weekend felt like a community-building utopia.”

“Wonderful. Took away exactly what I was hoping to gain from the weekend”

“It was nice to be around like-minded folks who are looking to make progressive changes in the world.”

“I’ve made several contacts for future projects and allies for my life’s mission. GROW made me grow.”

GROW Weekend Schedule

Friday September 18th 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Cost: Part of GROW weekend, see below, (participants can come Thursday evening if necessary but contact first)

Making a Difference: Skills for the Effective Organizer

This workshop provides basic skills and background for anyone who is new or relatively new to organizing. Good reminder and refresher for more experienced organizers as well.

5:00 pm Friday, September 18th to 3:30 pm Sunday, September 20th

Cost: $10 - $80 (pay what you can/all welcome) includes housing (bring bedding), meals, all workshops, use of facilities and nearby outdoor environments.

In addition to workshops (see list), GROW will use interactive methods to help attendees develop their skills in planning actions/events and becoming better organizers.

Some Likely Workshops Topics:

Grassroots Fundraising

Overcoming Oppression in Grassroots Groups/Creating Caring Communities

Media Strategies for Grassroots Groups

Group Process, Facilitation, and Decision-Making

Coalition Building

Leadership Development

Accessibility: Facilities are accessible.

Child Care: IF YOU NEED CHILDCARE, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE PEOPLE (Larry Dansinger) LISTED BELOW. Childcare will be available at no cost, during workshop times only. Those bringing children must register by September 7th.

Food: Meals will emphasize local food sources and will offer meat, vegetarian and vegan options. We can make individual adjustments as needed. Meals are included in the registration costs. Attendees will be asked to help with meal preparation or cleanup.

Travel Costs: If you need help with travel costs, please contact us. Call a contact person for ride sharing options.

Registration: We encourage people to register by September 7th to help with meal and travel planning, though last minute registrations will be accepted. Registration materials and directions will be e/mailed after you register.

For registration questions:

Iggy, 207-415-4458, iggy [at] riseup [dot] net Larry, 207-525-7776, rosc [at] psouth [dot] net Jacqui, 207-934-1911, jacquio50 [at] yahoo [dot] com

In order to create a world
that provides for the well-being
of everyone, we have to ORGANIZE!

In order to take back our power
we have to ORGANIZE.

In order to ORGANIZE
we need to gather, learn, share and
plan with each other.

For a more complete schedule and updated workshop offerings, please contact those below. Information will be added when confirmed, especially in September:

or contact: GROW c/o Resources for Organizing and Social Change, 161 Stovepipe Alley, Monroe, ME 04951

For questions:

Iggy, 207-415-4458, iggy [at] riseup [dot] net
Larry, 207-525-7776, rosc [at] psouth [dot] net
Jacqui, 207-934-1911, jacquio50 [at] yahoo [dot] com