Organizing Institute
The Organizing Institute (OI) builds power for working people by training aspiring and experienced organizers alike in the craft of organizing. For nearly three decades, we have provided fundamentals, insights and inspiration to tens of thousands of organizers, giving them the tools needed to lead successful organizing and strategic campaigns.
If you want to play a key role in building a stronger labor movement, strengthen your local union or bolster the skills of your organizing team for a specific campaign, follow the links below to find the training designed for you.
For Union Staff and Member Activists
This is an opportunity to learn and practice leading effective organizing conversations with peers and experienced organizers from across the movement.
These three-day basic organizing skills trainings are for union members and organizers who are sponsored by their union.
The cost is $150 and covers meals and registration. Email us at [email protected] if you have questions or need more information.
Beginning June 1, 2019, for every 3 participants that a union registers, the union will need to provide an organizer to serve as a Teaching Fellow ("TF"). This will allow for an adequate TF-to-participant ratio.
3-Day Organizing Training
This training focuses on teaching the fundamentals of union organizing to entry-level staff organizers and member activists. Participants will learn one-on-one communication skills; how to identify, recruit and develop key workplace leaders to the campaign; and how to navigate and assess progress on internal and external organizing campaigns. Upon completion, you will have the skills, principles and tools to help working people win a voice on the job.
Upcoming Trainings
| March 13–15, 2020 | Nashville | REGISTER TODAY |
| April 17–19, 2020 | Detroit | Registration opens Jan. 28, 2020. |
| May 1–3, 2020 | Helena, Mont. | Registration opens Jan. 28, 2020. |
| May 15–17, 2020 | Birmingham, Ala. | Registration opens March 2, 2020. |
3-Day Internal Organizing Training
This training is designed for member and staff organizers who want to strengthen local unions. Participants will learn the core union-building principles of member-to-member communication; how to identify, recruit and develop key workplace leaders; and how to navigate and assess progress on internal organizing campaigns. Upon completion, you will have the skills, principles and tools to better engage existing and potential members, communicate your union’s values and be better prepared for contract negotiations.
Upcoming Trainings
| Jan. 24–26, 2020 | Orange County, Calif. | CLOSED |
| Feb. 7–9, 2020 | Indianapolis | CLOSED |
| June 12–14, 2020 | New York City | Registration opens March 2, 2020. |
For Experienced Organizers
The following workshops and clinics are designed for experienced organizers who are taking on greater roles, such as leading teams of organizers or campaign strategy.
Advanced Organizer Workshop
This collaborative workshop is designed for organizers with at least two years of direct organizing experience and who are currently working on an organizing campaign. Participants will share their experiences, challenges and successes with one another and focus on building skills to enhance critical thinking, campaign planning and committee development.
Organizing Institute Field Clinics
The OI Field Clinics are designed and hosted by participants of the OI Exchange to reinforce core campaign best practices that win campaigns and develop strong organizers. Each clinic is built around a consensus “community practice” that reflects the subject matter for the clinic. Clinics are designed for experienced organizers who lead teams and want to take on greater roles in the campaign. Email [email protected] for more information.
Union, Industry and Campaign-Specific Training
The Organizing Institute can assist AFL-CIO affiliated unions and local bodies looking to train and develop member activists and staff organizers for specific campaign needs. Email Patrick Scott for more information.
Upcoming Campaign-Specific Trainings
| Kansas AFL-CIO | Jan. 28–29, 2020 | Wichita, Kan. | Email for more information. |
| International Brotherhood of Boilermakers | Feb. 28–March 1, 2020 | Indianapolis | Email for more information. |
Begin a Career in Union Organizing
We’re looking for commitment and talent! The Organizing Institute Apprenticeship Program is highly selective, paid training and placement program for activists who want to develop the strong foundation necessary to build a strong career as a union organizer. Selected applicants are evaluated on basic organizing skills in a classroom setting and, if recommended, placed on an organizing campaign where they learn union-building skills first-hand.