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Community Organizing for Social Justice

Approx. 8 hours to complete

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Description

The course examines specific strategies for community organizing for social justice in a diverse, democratic society.

It examines core concepts of social justice and practical steps for bringing people together to set goals and priorities, assess community assets and needs, develop action plans, and build support for implementation. It includes information on how to form core groups, build organizational capacity, and formulate strategy for reaching out to constituents and allies. Because each person learns in a different way, the course features a variety of learning acclivities, information on successful programs, individual instructions , and small group exercises, as well as hands-on materials for problem solving and program planning, You can use these activities with individuals, with a small group of people, or with several groups in a community campaign. The course draws upon work with people who are striving for community change in metropolitan Detroit, and area which is becoming both more segregated and more diverse. But it is designed for people who want to create change in communities, everywhere. If you were to take the course with ideas in mind, and conclude with plans in hand, then our purpose will be served.

Outline

Introduction to Community Organizing for Social Justice
Segregation & Diversity
Common Language Definition
Social Justice Definition
Community Definition
Organizing Definition
Leaders Definition
Believing in Change Definition
People in the Field: Celina Miranda – Boston
People in the Field: Naomi Milstein – Chicago
Welcome to your MOOC Experience
Help us learn more about you
Considerations
Acknowledgements & References
Seeing & Drawing Activity [Group]
What You'll Hear: Celina & Naomi
Week 1 Reflection

Strengthening Diversity
Introduction to Strengthening Diversity
Social Identity Discussion
The Cycle of Socialization Discussion
Prejudice & Discrimination
Power & Privilege
Understanding Discrimination
Everyday Discrimination with Micah Discussion
Who Are You ? Social Identity Activity
Power & Privilege Activity
Week 2 Reflection

Intergroup Dialogue
What is Dialogue?
Differences & Stereotypes
Communication & Conflict
Responding to Triggers
Youth Dialogues
Dialogue in Action
How Do You Respond to Triggers
Introduction to Roger & Qiu
Practicing Dialogue Activity
Week 3 Reflection

Organizing & Planning for Community Change
Introduction to Organizing & Planning
Starting with People
Entering Communities
Engaging Community Members
Gathering Information
Making Plans
Building Capacity
Taking Stock
Organizing in Action: Kim McGill
Assessing Your Community
Week 4 Reflection

Strategy
What is Strategy and Why is It Important?
Elements of Strategy: Goals
Elements of Strategy: Issues
Elements of Strategy: Constituencies
Elements of Strategy: Targets
Elements of Strategy: Tactics
Using the Elements of Strategy
Building Support
Talking Points
Elevator Pitch
Week 5 Reflection

What Matters Most?
Part 1: Organizing
Part 2: Planning
Part 3: Strategy
Part 4: Community
Conclusion
Course feedback
Keep Learning with Michigan Online!
Week 6 Reflection

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the power of community organizing in this highly-rated course on Coursera. Students have praised its informative and engaging content that teaches practical skills for making a difference in their communities.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

practical skills for making a difference in communities

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging and informative content
Practical skills for community organizing
Great for beginners
Highly recommended by students
Interactive and collaborative learning environment

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical issues with the platform
Could be more in-depth in certain areas
Not suitable for those looking for a theoretical approach only
Limited feedback from instructors
Some students found the pacing too slow

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