Leadership Development is the Foundation of All Sunflower Work!
What builds neighborhood power for change? Leadership training! When people come together and learn how to unite on an issue, how to research and sharpen it, and how to address decision-makers they make their neighborhoods better places to live. Leadership training is an ongoing part of everything Sunflower Community Action does. Here are some Sunflower venues where this training takes place.
Citizenship School. This eight-week school held five times a year prepares immigrants who hold green cards to take the U.S. citizenship exam by teaching them how to participate in this country democratic process. For more information see the Citizenship School page on this website listed under Youth Action Group.
Democracy School. This 12-hour school provides tools for civic involvement. Four times a year brown, black, and white Sunflower members gather to learn more about community organizing and draw inspiration from heroes and heroines who have provided significant leadership for social movements past and present.
Regional Leadership School. Once a year Sunflower leaders and others gather from across the region for a two-day “graduate school” and networking opportunity. This is an opportunity for established leaders who already know Organizing 101 to learn advanced skills.
National and Regional Training Opportunities. Sunflower is an affiliate of National People’s Action, which holds a training event each year. Twenty to thirty Sunflower leaders attend and return to Kansas energized by an expanded vision of their local work. Sunflower is part of other networks as well, and members benefit from participation in wider leadership circles.
Membership Meetings. Sunflower chapters have membership meetings weekly or every other week to discuss issues and learn how to have a positive impact. Experienced members and paid staff explain how we develop issues, address decision-makers, and negotiate to get a desired result.
Public Meetings. Chapters hold quarterly public meetings on issues they have chosen. The planning and execution of those meetings teaches members how to build an agenda and achieve a desired outcome. Members are able to try out roles that are new to them in a supportive environment.
One-On-One Training. Sunflower’s leadership skill benchmarks are used to encourage growth in members, both new and experienced. Staff members and skilled leaders meet with members to set goals for their increased effectiveness.
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