Lasting change takes more than strong organizations.

It takes a strong field.

Why Field Building

Organizing groups need more than funding to build power that lasts.

They need skilled staff, strong organizations, and places to learn and strategize with others doing the work. They also need infrastructure that no single organization can or should have to build alone, from training and coaching to shared tools, data systems, and technical support.

Field building equips, supports, and strengthens this shared infrastructure so organizing groups can grow stronger, communities can be as powerful and strategic as possible in the fights that matter to them, and local power can build toward a shared vision for Illinois.

Our Model

We strengthen the organizations, people, and relationships that make up the organizing field.

Our programming supports people in distinct roles within organizing groups:

Executive directors building strong organizations

Organizing directors developing organizers and campaign strategy

Civic engagement organizers ensuring elections and civic engagement are part of a longer-term strategy around localized power

Newer organizers learning to build bases and develop community leaders

Our work is designed specifically for organizing groups and the unique demands of building power. Our team brings more than 60 years of combined experience in organizational leadership and issue and electoral campaigns, complemented by experienced coaches, trainers, and consultants rooted in power-building work.

Our field building work includes three types of programming:

  • Cohort Programming

    Sustained learning and peer development for executive directors, organizing directors, newer organizers, and staff leading integrated voter engagement.

  • Organizing Training

    Statewide training in organizing practice, campaign strategy, base building, leadership development, narrative strategy, and politicized healing.

  • Organizational Support

    Individualized coaching, technical assistance, and back-office support, including data and CRM systems, security, grant writing, and other needs specific to organizing groups.

What We’re Building Towards

Strong local organizations. A stronger statewide organizing ecosystem.

We want organizing groups across Illinois to have the people, leadership, and organizational strength to build deep local power and weather difficult moments without losing momentum.

And we want that power to connect. Over time, stronger relationships and shared practice across organizations and geographies can help communities take on bigger fights together and turn local power into statewide power.