Training

We believe in Saul Allinksy's Iron Rule of Organising "never do for others what they can do for themselves". We believe in increasing what others can do for themselves is a critical part of building powerful and responsive social movements.

We offer training to all our collaborators over the course of a project, but can also arrange standalone training sessions. These can be customised to meet your needs or created bespoke.

Some of our training is provided in collaboration with our wonderful partners Act Build Change . Sign up to our newsletter to hear about upcoming training sessions.

WordPress for Organisers

WordPress is the most common content management tool. We’ve worked with a large number of organisations to build their WordPress websites and train them on how to effectively use it. We also provide this training as a standalone service.

In this training you will learn:

• How to keep WordPress up to date, secure and avoid problems with running it day to day.
• Build pages on WordPress without knowing code, using Gutenberg features and "full site editing" mode.
• Using the plugin ecosystem effectively so you can receive donations, raise money and thrive.
• How to integrate forms into your WordPress site to create hand-raisers and bring people into organising spaces.
• How to use WordPress in conjunction with common organising tools like Action Network and Mailchimp, to maximise opportunities to build relationships and power.

Using WhatsApp

Organisers go where people are and meet them where they are at. In the UK, this means organisers spend a lot of time in WhatsApp — almost everyone has it, groups already exist with people there, it's simple to set up and run with.

However, WhatsApp is not the ideal environment for doing organising work. In fact, sometimes using WhatsApp as an organiser makes you want to throw your phone into the sea.

It can be stressful to use. It can distort work/life balance or cause stress and burn out. This training is intended to make organisers confident in using WhatsApp for their work. We'll cover topics like:

• Understanding the advantages and limitations of WhatsApp for organising: Learn to recognise the times and places where WhatsApp works and where other platforms are more appropriate. Understand the best techniques for getting people off WhatsApp and onto something else.
• Managing WhatsApp groups effectively: If WhatsApp does seem to the tool for you, there are some simple techniques you can use to make it more enjoyable to use. A lot of this is just becoming more proficient with the features of the app that aren't obvious.
• Maintaining work-life balance: Having some degree of boundary is helpful. WhatsApp is what everyone uses, which is what makes it useful for organising. But it is also where your other group chats are! We offer some simple techniques for maintaining some compartmentalisation.
• Using WhatsApp communities: WhatsApp have just launched a communities feature. We describe how to use it and how it can be a much more effective tool than the basic group chats we know well.
• Making decisions on WhatsApp: While not the ideal platform for doing so, there are some good and bad ways to make decisions on WhatsApp. We talk polls and facilitating conversations.

Action Network for Organisers

Action Network is a common tool set used by organisers in the UK and beyond.

Whether you are a seasoned organizer or just starting out, this course will equip you with the skills you need to create and execute effective campaigns that bring about real change using Action Network.

From learning how to build and engage a database of supporters, to crafting compelling messages and leveraging online channels, you'll discover the key ingredients of successful organising in today's digital age.

• Begin with the basics: Understanding the basics of Action Network and its key features, specifically in the context of organizing, including email and text message campaigns, petitions, event management, and fundraising.
• Managing people effectively: Best practices for building and organizing your database of members and supporters, including tips for segmenting and targeting different groups and effectively communicating with them.
• Campaigning with Action Network: Crafting effective campaigns, including strategies for creating clear calls to action, leveraging social media and other online channels, and measuring the impact of your efforts.
• Smoothly integrating Action Network in your organising stack: Integrating Action Network with other organising tools and platforms, such as social media networks, websites, and other advocacy and fundraising platforms to maximise the effectiveness of your campaigns.
• Working your networks with Action Network: Collaborating and sharing resources with other unions and community organisations, including tips for working with partners, building coalitions, and leveraging collective power to drive impact and advance shared goals.