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Great Lakes Metro IAF Training Series


  • DuPage United 41 North Park Boulevard Glen Ellyn, IL, 60137 United States (map)

GREAT LAKES METRO IAF LEADERSHIP TRAINING

© 2021 Great Lakes Metro IAF Affiliates

Affiliates of the Metro IAF in states bordering the Great Lakes are offering four two-hour (with breaks, breakout rooms, and a 10-minute evaluation) Zoom training sessions on the following topics.

NOTE: “101” sessions are aimed at newer leaders and “201” sessions are aimed at more experienced leaders who have already received training on a particular skill or topic and want to go deeper. Sign up for your level at registration.

Session 1: Introduction to broad-based power (101 only). Covers the five pillars of IAF organizing: fierce non-partisanship, institutional-based, independently financed, based on relational power, and focused on leadership training. This session is aimed primarily at those new to Metro IAF but can also be used as a refresher course for those who want to accompany new leaders. Thursday, May 6 OR Tuesday, May 11; 6:00-8:00 PM CT, 7:00-9:00 PM ET.

Session 2: Why and how to do meaningful and productive one-to-one relational meetings (101 and 201, with breakout groups divided accordingly). The session is aimed at all leaders and potential leaders who are already committed to building a power organization and have done at least 3 one-to-one individual meetings before the session begins. This basic tool of IAF organizing is meant to help participants understand the purpose of developing the discipline of meeting with other human beings face-to-face (or mask-to-mask or over Zoom) to share what makes each participant “tick” (their “self-interest,” what they are truly passionate about) and to see if there is a sharing of enough self-interest between the two people to move into action around issues of concern to both of them. This will be a practical approach that offers specific skills and role-playing. Thursday, May 20 OR Tuesday, May 25; 6:00-8:00 PM CT, 7:00-9:00 PM ET.

Session 3: Breaking Problems into “Issues You Can Do Something About” (101 or 201, with breakout groups divided accordingly). How to make problems actionable, “the action is in the reaction,” and the “cycle of organizing.” Uses case studies from participant examples or issues. Thursday, June 3 OR Tuesday, June 8; 6:00-8:00 PM CT, 7:00-9:00 PM ET.

Session 4: Why and how to do a power analysis (201 only). This session is aimed at experienced leaders already committed to building a power organization and have at least one power analysis they are working on. Case studies will be used. Before going into any kind of “action,” leaders and organizers have to do what the IAF calls a “power analysis.” This is an objective, research-based analysis of both the organization and those outside the organization who can make something happen, including both potential “opponents” and “allies.” Such power analysis can be done both internally, inside of member institutions, and externally about elected and appointed officials in the public sector, and individuals, businesses, unions, corporations, not-for-profits, foundations, and other groups in what the IAF refers to as the “private” or “civil” sectors. Thursday, June 17 OR Tuesday, June 22; 6:00-8:00 PM CT, 7:00-9:00 PM ET. There will be breakout groups of no more than 10-12 during each session. Each session is repeated once, same content. Tuition is $50 per session (payable to local affiliate sponsor) but is free to members of the following organizations affiliated with Metro IAF: Illinois: DuPage United, Fox River Valley Initiative, Lake County United, United Power for Action and Justice; Ohio: Greater Cleveland Congregations; Wisconsin: Common Ground; Minnesota: Minnesota Association of Public Employees. Other if space is available: current IAF affiliates and groups seriously investigating Metro IAF affiliation may pay $50 per session to send a small number of participants if sponsored by a Great Lakes Metro IAF affiliate above (payment to go to cover the cost of administration). Non-IAF affiliated organizations may pay $150 per session to send one or two participants on the same basis.

Click here to register and indicate which of the sessions you plan to attend and at which level (101 or 201). You will be sent a confirmation and a link to each session. For further information, contact your local organizers or contact Lucy Tarabour at lctarabour@gmail.com.  Each session is limited to fifty participants. First come, first served. We look forward to seeing you there.

Earlier Event: October 27
DuPage County Board Candidate Action