Friday, August 7, 2009

Grassroots Organizing Workshops! Register now!

If you want to do more organizing for economic human rights in Maine, coming to this weekend could be a way to help do it better. GROW weekends have always been energizing events. Cost is on a sliding scale --- pay what you can.

GROW New England's

GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING WORKSHOPS

For New and Experienced Grassroots Organizers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont to Learn More about Creating Grassroots Social Change

September 18-20, 2009
Tanglewood 4-H Camp, Lincolnville, Maine
(near Camden/Belfast)



Why GROW New England?

We believe in a better world, where there is:

*Respect for civil liberties;
*Commitment to nonviolent conflict resolution;
*Economic justice and rights for all;
*Affordable health care, housing, and education;
*A healthy environment and sustainable living practices;
*Celebration of diversity in age, race, gender, etc.


Join new and experienced activists from Northern New England as we:

*Learn and teach about the "big picture" of social change;
*Gain new organizing skills;
*Learn about successful models throughout the region;
*Celebrate successes.

Comments from past GROW weekends:

"It was the best experience of my life. The weekend felt like a community-building utopia."

"Wonderful. Took away exactly what I was hoping to gain from the weekend"

"It was nice to be around like-minded folks who are looking to make progressive changes in the world."

"I've made several contacts for future projects and allies for my life's mission. GROW made me grow."


GROW Weekend Schedule:

Friday September 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Making a Difference: Skills for the Effective Organizer

Cost: Part of GROW weekend, see below, (participants can come Thursday evening if necessary but contact first)

This workshop provides basic skills and background for anyone who is new or relatively new to organizing. Good reminder and refresher for more experienced organizers as well.


Friday, September 18 at 5:00 p.m. to Sunday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m.

In addition to workshops (see list), GROW will use interactive methods to help attendees develop their skills in planning actions/events and becoming better organizers.

Some Scheduled Workshops Topics (Our theme this year is "Organizational Development:")

€ Grassroots Fundraising

€ Overcoming Oppression in Grassroots Groups

€ Coalition Building

€ Media Strategies for Grassroots Groups

€ Leadership Development

€ Consensus

€ Meeting Facilitation

Cost: $10 - $80 (pay what you can/all welcome) includes housing (bring bedding), meals, all workshops, use of facilities and nearby outdoor environments.

Accessibility: Facilities are accessible.

Child Care: IF YOU NEED CHILDCARE, PLEASE CONTACT Larry Dansinger (contact info below). Childcare will be available at no cost, during workshop times only. Those bringing children must register by September 7.

Food: Meals will emphasize local food sources and will offer meat, vegetarian and vegan options. We can make individual adjustments as needed. Meals are included in the registration costs. Attendees will be asked to help with meal preparation or clean-up.

Travel Costs: If you need help with travel costs, please contact us. Call a contact person for ride-sharing options.

Registration: We encourage people to register by September 7 to help with meal and travel planning, though last minute registrations will be accepted. Registration materials and directions will be (e)mailed after you register.


Registration Form

Name__________________________________
Address_______________________________
Town/city_____________________________
Zip code_________________
Phone_________________________________
Email _________________________________

Please Check all that Apply:

___I am registering for the September 18-20 weekend

Enclosed is $_____ Check payable to:
'Resources for Organizing and Social Change' (ROSC). Address is below. Partial payment is okay. Remainder due when you arrive. Paying the entire amount when you arrive is also an option, but paying some before the weekend is helpful.

Childcare
___I need childcare. Please list ages of children.
______________________________________

Ride Share:
___I need a ride from_____________________
___I can offer a ride from _________________

Please note any other special accommodations required (diet, health, sleeping, etc.)_____________________
____________________________________________________________________________


Return this form to:
GROW New England/ROSC,
161 Stovepipe Alley, Monroe, ME 04951
or email to rosc@psouth.net.

For registration questions:

Iggy, 207-415-4458, iggy@riseup.net
Larry, 207-525-7776, rosc@psouth.net
Jacqui, 207-934-1911, jacquio50@yahoo.com


In order to create a world
that provides for the well-being
of everyone, we have to ORGANIZE!

In order to take back our power
we have to ORGANIZE.

In order to ORGANIZE
we need to gather, learn, share and
plan with each other.


For a more complete schedule and updated workshop offerings, please contact those below. Information will be added when confirmed, especially in September.

Notes From July 25, 2009 Meeting

Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m. to about 1 p.m. in Waterville, Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, 61 Pleasant St.

Preceded by Housing Committee meeting from 10 to 11 a.m., same date and location, to work on plans for the right to permanent housing for everyone in Maine

REPORT ON NATIONAL POVERTY CONFERENCE BY SEVERAL LOW INCOME PEOPLE AND OTHERS WHO ATTENDED. IDEAS AND STRATEGIES TO END POVERTY IN MAINE AND BEYOND.

Desired Economic Human Rights

1) Every individual has a right to have his/her basic needs met, such as:
* food and clothing
* permanent housing
* health care
* child care

2) Every individual has a right, through productive employment and/or through entitlements, to income in order to provide the basic needs of her/his family.

3) Every individual has a right to:

* freedom from discrimination in obtaining basic needs
* seek employment
* productive work at a livable wage, with equal pay for equal or comparable work
* protections against the ill effects of unemployment
* a standard of living that is adequate for security and well-being

4) Every individual has a right to:

* form and join labor unions and other groups which protect his/her interests
* join labor groups in order to bargain collectively on issues such as pay and working conditions
* work in businesses or cooperatives with opportunities that further economic democracy
* strike without fear of reprisals

5) Every individual has a right to education or training to obtain the skills that allow him/her to participate in and contribute to the economy.

6) Every individual has a right to access financial services, including, but not limited to, savings or checking accounts, loans and IRAs.

7) Every individual has a right to access quality legal services regardless of ability to pay.