Our Programs | Skills training | The Institute | Organizers of Color Collective | Coalition building | Technical assistance

Organizers of Color meet for a power lunch with Boston City Council

Our Programs back to top
The Union brings our mission to life through skills training; support of movements and building of broad-based coalitions; and technical assistance. Activists develop skills and then put these skills into use by organizing on the issues that affect them. All our programs are geared to developing skilled organizers and effective organizing campaigns.

Skills training back to top
The Institute for Neighborhood Leadership: The Institute provides training, support and assistance to current and emerging community activists of color. Meeting weekly, the Institute provides training in organizing, planning, research, program design, evaluation, fundraising, media skills, political advocacy, public speaking and critical thinking. The Institute also produces written materials on a number of subjects, and available upon request.

The Institute back to top
· Hosts weekly workshops in building skills in communications, leadership, organizational and program development, community organizing, fundraising, planning, outreach, strategy and tactics, public speaking, media relations, collaboration, advocacy, and governmental affairs.

· Provides technical assistance and support upon request to help communities and community leaders address issues that affect them.

· Hosts monthly “study circles” with nationally prominent experts to help leaders expand their knowledge and thinking on pertinent issues.

Moreover, the Institute for Neighborhood Leadership is designed and administered by professional advocates of color. As people of color, we enjoy a special perspective. Our workshops allow people the safety to talk freely about issues, concerns, and experiences.

Institute classes include:
§ Fundraising Clinic for Activists and Non-profits
§ Grassroots Fundraising for Activists and Organizations (5 weeks)
§ Developing Successful Media Skills
§ Proposal and Grant Writing for Activists
§ Lobbying for Grassroots Activists

Organizers of Color Collective back to top
A network of Black and Immigrant organizers that provides professional and personal support, training and socializing opportunities. Growing out of the Organizers of Color Initiative jointly administered by UMN and the Center to Support Immigrant Organizing, we seek to create a space for organizers of color to share strategy, build community, create networks and build the power of our constituencies and our communities! Join us for monthly "Power Lunches" with policy makers, Sip & Chews (periodic dinners for organizers of color), a list serve for members and many other distinct opportunities - just for us by us!

For a schedule of programs or to register please call 617-989-8078 or umnunity@att.net

Coalition building back to top
Congruent with the development of a new generation of citizen activists, is the actual practice of community organizing and empowerment. The Union is not directive. Coalitions have their own steering committees that make decisions and direct the organizing.

§ The Many Voices One Message Coalition: This coalition consists of more than 60 organizations of color in the State of Massachusetts. It was founded in response to state budget cuts in the fiscal 2003 state budget. The work of this coalition through its lobbying and organizing activities, and who brought more than 3000 people of color to the state house for a lobby day in April 2002, was instrumental in securing a major tax increase that saved services important to communities of color. In April 2003, together with SEIU 509, we brought over 5,000 people to the State House for a rally and day of lobbying.

§ The Non-Profit Crisis Task Force: Created in response to the funding and organizational crisis faced by non-profits of color, the task force works to support the work of community based non-profits, developing strategies and providing technical assistance to help keep these organizations open. The task force also works in the halls of government in search of legislative remedies that support our non-profits.

§ Mass Alliance to Save Affirmative Action (MASAA): On June 17th, 2003, bunker hill day, Governor Romney signed Executive Order 452, ending Affirmative Action for minorities, women, persons with disabilities and Viet Nam era veterans as well as more than 30 years of fairness in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In response, UMN formed the Massachusetts Alliance to Save Affirmative Action, a real statewide grassroots base that pressured and demanded this Governor strengthen fairness and justice in policy and practice. After an effective campaign by MASAA, the governor has temporarily reinstated 452 until his Council on Diversity develops new policies. MASAA is working to ensure that the council reflects constituencies affected by these policies and that enforcement mechanisms are strong.
Want to join? Need more information? INQUIRE HERE umnunity@att.net

Technical assistance back to top
UMN works locally and nationally with grassroots activists on organizing campaigns. We work with organizers one-on-one to map out campaigns, develop media strategies and develop relationships with power brokers. Upon request, the Union will also convene a group of the city’s best, seasoned organizers to provide advice and brainstorm with an organizer of color on their issue. Organizers and activists of color may request these services for a sliding scale fee.

Want to join? Need more information? INQUIRE HERE umnunity@att.net