NOI Organizers Summits:

Training Technology-Enabled Leaders

Training is a key component in building the power of the progressive movement, particularly in a new era of heavy reliance on technology.

That's why NOI will be holding Organizers Summits across the country from June to September to connect technology-enabled organizers, managers, staff, and leaders to use the new tools, tactics and strategies available to organizations of all sizes. 

The Summits will help to incorporate young organizers into other civic engagement work, build a leadership pipeline within each state/region, and further build relationships among organizations and individuals.

Schedule of 2008 Summits

The following Summits are open for registration now, though many others are being planned and finalized. Click on each Summit for specific details about each state, participating organizations, and registration/application.

What to Expect at the Summit

The Summits will build on a core set of skills that are fundamental for those working in the nonprofit sector in a new, more technology-focused world. Additionally, local partners will recommend topics and skill sets that are specifically helpful within their particular state.

The sessions will include tracks for field, data, organizing, and communications staff – with recent college students and organizational directors mixed into the tracks of their choice:

Field and Data

Technology, infrastructure, analytics and data sources have provided new ways of doing traditional field work and program evaluation. When used well, these tools can make field and targeting work more efficient, effective and enhance existing program operations, contacts, and communications. Participants in these sessions will learn from experienced practitioners how to use these new tools to build and enhance programs, find supporters, and evaluate program work.

Communications and Organizing

The internet is creating new opportunities for communications and organizing work. Online organizing, communications and the new media ecosystem can create new avenues for reaching audiences, amplifying message, raising money online, working with coalition partners and recruiting activists. This track provide participants with practical and comprehensive look at what is available, how these new techniques and tools work, and finding strategic moments for their use.

Workshops and sessions will focus on developing skills in the following areas:

- Online Organizing, Communications, and New Media
- Field Technology and Technique
- Evaluation and Testing: How, When, and Why
- Using the Voter Activation Network
- Recognizing "Moments" for Strategic Online Organizing
- Effective Email Writing and Campaign Design
- Working with Blogs and Bloggers
- Online Fundraising
- Using Video for Online Organizing