The Organizing Institute (OI) has trained tens of thousands of organizers who are committed to building power for working people all across this country. The Organizing Institute’s mission to develop and promote the craft of organizing is supported today by training programs for beginner and lead organizers, an apprenticeship program, and by collaborating with unions to share successful approaches to organizing and strategic campaigns.
Become a Union Organizer
We’re looking for commitment and talent! The Organizing Institute Apprenticeship Program is a paid training and placement program for activists who are not union members but interested in becoming union organizers. Through top-notch instruction and mentorship, social and economic justice activists develop the strong foundation to build successful careers as union organizers.
Learn more about the apprenticeship program and apply
Training 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. This three-day basic organizing skills training is for union members and organizers who are sponsored by their union. The cost is $150 and covers meals and registration. Contact us at [email protected] with questions.
Organizing Institute Training Offerings
3-Day Training for Union Staff and Member Activists
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 mapping and charting targeted workplaces on internal and external organizing campaigns.
Upcoming OI 3-Day Trainings
| Inland Empire, Calif. | Jan. 25–27, 2019 | Register Today |
| Atlanta | March 8–10, 2019 | Register Today |
| Hartford, Conn.* | April 12–14, 2019 | Registration opens Feb. 15. |
| Denver | May 17–19, 2019 | Registration opens Feb. 15. |
| Pittsburgh* | June 7–9, 2019 | Registration opens April 8. |
*Denotes an internal organizing training.
Advanced Organizer Workshop
This collaborative workshop is designed for experienced organizers who are taking on a greater role in leading teams and campaign strategy. Registration is by recommendation only. Cost is $150. Contact Tiffany Bender with questions.
Upcoming Advanced Organizing Workshops
| Washington, D.C. | Dec. 5–7, 2018 | |
| TBD | July 2019 |
The 2019 schedule of trainings will be posted in early December.
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.
Upcoming Organizing Institute Field Clinics
The 2019 schedule of field clinics will be posted in January.
Union, Industry and Campaign-Specific Trainings
For AFL-CIO affiliate unions looking to train and develop member activists and staff organizers for specific campaign needs, the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute can assist. Email Patrick Scott for more information.
Upcoming Campaign-Specific Trainings
| Minnesota and North Dakota AFL-CIO Unions | Jan. 4–6, 2019 | Fargo, ND |
| IATSE | Jan. 17–18, 2019 | Atlanta, GA |
| IBEW Local 77 | Feb. 8–10, 2019 | Seattle, WA |
| OPEIU | Feb. 25, 2019 | Washington, DC |
| Missouri AFL-CIO Unions | March 21–23, 2019 | St. Louis, MO |