the problem:
We believe that one of the biggest challenges facing young organizers is navigating internal group dynamics. Whether it is teens, college students, volunteers, parents or community members fighting together for a specific cause, there are inevitably moments in these struggles when group members are faced with difficult decisions and potential conflicts. Often times these complex internal dynamics can be the biggest barrier a group may face when working on a campaign or project.
Through workshops on non-violent communication, consensus decision making and non-hierarchical leadership, we hope to promote alternative strategies and tools for organizing at the grassroots level. Our goal is to alleviate much of the stress and anxiety that can come from working in a group setting, and provide creative techniques for collaborative work.
We also believe that the way we are with each other reflects the way we are in the world. By this we mean that if we can radically change our relationships to be more harmonious, peaceful and cooperative, we have the capacity to create entire communities in the same way.
vital stats:
people impacted:
200
people involved:
15
why it's important:
The members of The Collective first met in 2007 while participating in a study abroad program. There were 28 students on an epic journey across the world, and establishing effective and democratic group norms was a key component of our trip. For us, the exploration of these issues came first out of necessity. In order to survive our nine months together, we had to devise ways to interact, make decisions and handle conflict.
It was during this time abroad that many of us discovered the importance of collaborative decision making and ways in which non-hierarchical leadership can create a space where all voices are respected and heard. Ultimately, by the end of our time together, we were deeply committed to working with each other and others on developing new processes for communicating and organizing in groups.
the plan of action:
Since 2010, we have taught numerous workshops to college students, young adults, small progressive nonprofits, and co-ops in the region. We have promoted our work through word of mouth and other networks with which we are familiar.
In addition to teaching in-person workshops, we have written, designed and published materials on communication and community-building techniques.
With a seed grant of $500, we could significantly expand the content and scope of our workshop, as well as produce a more comprehensive resource guide and workbook on consensus and alternative forms of decision making.
how you can get involved:
Others can be involved by attending our workshops and teaching others! We believe that the material and content of our workshops and publications should be widely distributed, and that everyone can benefit from these resources.
If others have an interest in teaching the materials with members of the collective, and getting directly involved, we would be happy to discuss that possibility.
project updates:
