Group Debrief

Investing in the Changemakers of Tomorrow

Growth is not accidental. We invest in building our relationships and building our capacity: as renters, farmers, small business owners, and parents we are the ones who will act when the stakes are real. Through in-person and virtual trainings, we help each other understand power, recognize the pressures shaping local decision-makers, and practice the skills needed to act with clarity and purpose.

Mobilizing crowds may create a moment, but organizing people and developing leadership creates capacity that endures.

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GrassRoots School

The Grassroots School is one of the most transformative organizing trainings offered in western Wisconsin. It’s our 2.5-day leadership training workshop for people who want to learn practical skills they can use to organize for change in their local communities. Our learning is be grounded in the radical belief that everyone has leadership potential and capacity to be a changemaker in their community.

What are the next steps in your organizing journey? Are you hungry to learn more practical skills you can use to organize for change in your community? Are you ready to step further into the public arena? GrassRoots School may be the right step for you.

 

Daylong Organizer Training

At this annual training, Wisconsin leaders learn the fundamentals of how to organize people and build power to win the change we need for everyone in our community to make ends meet, live with dignity, and have a voice in the decisions that impact us.

Throughout the day, we will explore key questions which lie at the core of community organizing:

  1. What is power? How does it operate in the world?
  2. Why am I building power? What do I care most about? What do I want?
  3. How do I build a public relationship with somebody as a basis for our building power together?

The training will include a combination of group sessions, breakouts, engaging in pairs, and time for practicing skills.

All experience levels are welcome. This workshop can serve as an introduction to those beginning on their leadership path or as a refresher to those with experience.

Narrative & Communications

From the basics of writing Op-Eds, LTEs, or social media posts to the big picture storytelling and narrative building our leaders need to win change on their campaigns, we invest in our leaders – ordinary Wisconsinites – the most powerful voices to lead in our communities.

Leadership & Skills for the Moment

Organizing is made up of smaller skills that can take big courage. From hosting House Parties to building a base through 1:1s with neighbors to scheduling and conducting research meetings with local and state officials – we hold trainings year round to meet the needs of our leaders and their campaigns year-round.

  • “Attending Grassroots School and getting to collaborate in a group of local leaders where we learned so much was one of the most meaningful moments of my year. Ages spanning from 36 to 82 years old, we're all learning to build power. Just wow.”

    Sam B. attending GrassRoots School

    Sam -- Salem, WI

  • GrassRoots School 2025 Group

    The Grassroots School has given me practical tools and a comprehensive language and structure to build a movement around the things I value most.  100% recommend to anyone who has been trying to find a way to make a difference in the world.

    Abe S.

    This was truly incredible!! The organizers, facilitators, and participants were all genuine, intelligent, and powerful people all trying to do something to better the world we live in. It was so powerful to be in an intergenerational space with so many amazing folks, and come up with clear targets and tactics to  create the world we want to live in.

    Taylor S.

    GROWW Education trainings have given me the opportunity to learn about myself, meet some inspirational people in my community, and feel hopeful about  positive changes I can launch in my own neighborhood.

    Jenna B.