Do the news and talk of today make you afraid, angry, bitter, or completely exhausted? Does it seem like not much gets done, even though people want to see changes for the better? Please join activists and other folks eager for social and environmental justice from across Allegheny County and the region for a set of workshops led by longtime activist and organizing leader Penn Garvin.
Many of you participated in a recent four-month series of Sustainability Salons on Movement Building and Effective Campaigns, led by Penn. She'll be coming to Pittsburgh to lead in-person workshops on strategic organizing, power mapping, and non-violent direct action! This is an excellent opportunity to learn and practice the skills you and your organization need to work strategically, peacefully, and effectively for social and environmental justice.
All sessions are free, and will be held in the downstairs Fellowship Hall at Community of Reconciliation Church, 100 North Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Snacks and Refreshments will be provided.
Here's the program:
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
9 a.m. Registration and light snacks
10 a.m. to Noon - Power Mapping Workshop
Understand where the power centers that can bring about the changes you hope to achieve in your community or region are located -- and how to engage and influence them.
12-1:30 p.m. Lunch on your own
1:30-3:30 p.m. “Talking Productively with People Who Are Difficult to Talk To” Workshop
Often the people who are hardest to engage in conversation are the ones you really need to reach. Learn how to begin and succeed in conversations with those who are on the fence about an issue of importance to you, those who are disinclined to agree with your work, and those who are dead-set against it.
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
11 a.m, to noon - Sunday worship service in the Church’s first-floor sanctuary
COR is a multi-denominational, multi-racial, open and affirming Christian church founded 56 years ago.
All are welcome to attend the service.
1-3 p.m. - Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA) Training Workshop
NVDA is a proven way to bring about social change -- not by seeking to defeat an opponent, but by seeking to defeat oppressive policies and unjust acts. Being successful at NVDA requires a personal commitment; skill in gathering information, educating others, and negotiating; and a solid knowledge of direct actions such as boycotts, marches, rallies, letter-writing campaigns, petitions, political actions, and many more. In this workshop you will develop your skills at being part of an NVDA and have an opportunity to enjoy role-playing what you have learned.
Penn Garvin has been active since 1968 in political issues including peace and social justice, anti-nuclear initiatives, women’s health care, homelessness, and human rights in Central America. She has led scores of workshops on how to organize, plan demonstrations, communicate for change, and practice nonviolent civil disobedience.
REGISTRATION
Please email Jim Highland, editor@sgpublishingteam.com, to register by April 24. Early registration by
April 18 is appreciated. Include your name, phone, email, which workshop(s) you plan to attend, and whether you have experience with organizing and/or NVDA.
Recommended Reading (not required):
How We Win: A Guide to Nonviolent Direct Action Campaigning by George Lakey
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