The 2012 RootSkills training offered three specific daylong workshop tracks. The workshops are designed in a way to have different exercises and assignments build on each other so once you’re in a track, we ask that you remain there for the day. Below you will find descriptions and workshop materials for each track.

Community Organizing

Who it’s for: Group leaders who are designing a group’s project or campaign strategy – the who, what, when, why and how to solve the problems, and seize the opportunities, to strengthen their community’s vitality, resilience and sustainability.
Who it’s from: Julia Dundorf, local energy organizer & Cheryl King Fischer, NEGEF Executive Director
What you get: Do you know the difference between “community organizing and community building?” When to use what approach? The importance of ‘framing a message,’ choosing the right messengers, knowing your allies, partners and friends? This workshop will help groups refine, hone and sharpen the focus of their work, be more strategic and know when to challenge and when to cuddle their communities.

Group Development

Who it’s for: Group leaders who seek to strengthen their group’s internal processes and bolster fundraising.
Who it’s from: Lizann Peyton, organizational development consultant
What you get: An interactive workshop to help your team work better together. Participants will discuss teamwork and groups roles, learn how to articulate their impact, focus on making a case for funding and develop specific community fundraising skills and how to make an ask.

Personal Leadership

Who it’s for: Group leaders who want to (re-)establish their priorities, (re-)energize around their vision and (re-)learn strategies to prevent burn-out, both personal and for their team.
Who it’s from: Amanda Silver, leadership training consultant
What you get: An interactive workshop to explore different styles and skills for effective leadership. Participants will discuss the role of leadership in our work, explore personal vision and purpose for social change, learn new skills and take-away tools for skillful communication, time management and self-ecology.