Welcome to Citizens UK’s Community Organising in Schools and Colleges training programme - we are delighted to have you on board!

Why is this programme needed? Communities are increasingly under pressure. The many issues faced by our young people and their families aren’t getting any better. People, more than often, feel powerless when it comes to influencing decisions which can benefit them and their communities. This leads, in turn, to a mistrust in democracy.

Our answer to this: Through the method of Community Organising we enable local leaders to develop their voice and come together with the power and strategy to make real change.

How we will support you: This programme is about supporting teachers and leaders to create authentic social actions for the benefit of their students, their families, and their communities. This is done by developing your leadership and understanding of the method of Community Organising, helping you develop relationships and partnerships with neighbouring institutions across your local Citizens alliance.

The programme is a chance to collaborate with a network of like-minded schools which take, or want to take, community relationships seriously, learn from other leaders who’ve demonstrated impact in community action and play a leading role in embedding your school within its community.

We encourage you to make the most of all the learning opportunities as part of this Community Organising in Schools and Colleges training programme: take up the valuable opportunity of working with your local Community Organiser, discuss your social action ambitions with colleagues and set aside time to make the most of your participation in the programme.

We look forward to working with you over the coming weeks and months and hope you find the experience of this programme motivating.

Best wishes,

Dr Sebastien Chapleau, Lead Organiser, Citizens UK