Turning Faith-filled Advocates into Organizers
Together we are powerful! We can influence Members of Congress to work for We the People, to pass legislation that brings us, our families, and our communities safety and security. As faith-filled advocates concerned with the common good, we have a moral duty to use our collective power to hold elected official accountable when they use authoritarian actions and billionaire finances to hoard resources and wealth that belong to all of us.
And so many of us are! Over the past year, we've seen how people across the country are coming together to act to protect our communities and our freedoms. Published letters to the editor (LTEs) are calling out elected officials and their large corporate backers who favor record-high profits over the wellbeing of people in our communities. Nationwide public demonstrations have denouncing massive tax breaks for ultra-wealthy folks at the expense of food programs, affordable health, fair wages, and more.
But all of us can! NETWORK has launched the Organizing Institute (OI) to transform faith-filled advocates into power-building organizers! In four months, our OI will deepen your organizing skills, strengthen your capacity to build real power in your community, and equip you to respond effectively to the twin crises of the rise of authoritarianism and unaffordability.
Don't miss the deadline!
Applications accepted until February 11, 2026
All interested advocates must complete an application to take part in the Organizing Institute. There has been significant interest amongst the folks in our field. To be considered for the first OI cohort, be sure to apply before February 11!
The Organizing Institute Focus
The NETWORK Organizing Institute is designed for current Advocates Team members, and those who want to start organizing with NETWORK in their own communities. Through your participation in the Organizing Institute, you will build and deepen proficiency in the areas below.
Recruitment
Recruit and retain new team members and others who care about the common good to take action with you.
Event Planning
Host and support events with strong visuals, media engagement, and opportunities to draw new folks in.
Team Building
Build powerful teams that inspire deep involvement of and collaboration with all members.
Authoritarian Resistance
Respond boldly to authoritarian attempts to divide communities and weaken faith in democracy.
Nationwide Power
Learn from your experiences and share your knowledge with advocates across NETWORK's nationwide community.
NETWORK advocates care deeply about communities.
Too many hardworking people struggle to afford groceries, pay bills, and keep a roof over our heads while the ultra-wealthy get richer. The Organizing Institute trains advocates to organize in our communities so we all have a say in the decisions that impact our lives. While some government leaders prefer authoritarian action over the common good, we will speak truth to power. Masked federal law enforcement in our neighborhoods is immoral. Policies and rhetoric that pit us against our immigrant neighbors is scapegoating. Slashing food and health care budgets so ultra-wealthy corporations can get tax breaks is sinful. Together, we will build power for leadership that creates healthy, secure neighborhoods.
Our Team
With NETWORK's 50+ years of organizing for better federal policy with religious communities and grassroots advocates, students in the Organizing Institute can trust that they will learn from well-equipped organizing experts.
Our Grassroots Mobilization Team will be your primary leaders. Meg Olson is the Grassroots Mobilization Director. Catherine Gillette is the Senior Grassroots Mobilization Organizer, Sister Eilis McCulloh, HM, J.D., is the Grassroots Education and Organizing Coordinator, and Sister Emily TeKolste, SP, is the Grassroots Mobilization Coordinator.
The Organizing Institute
Sessions will be held every other week on Thursdays 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern time. We will have nine total sessions, with assigned content between sessions.
The Organizing Institute will mix readings, podcasts, webinars, and live interactive Zoom sessions where you’ll have opportunities to practice new skills.
Don't miss the deadline!
Applications accepted until February 11, 2026
All interested advocates must complete an application to take part in the Organizing Institute. There has been significant interest amongst the folks in our field. To be considered for the first OI cohort, be sure to apply before February 11!
Important Details
Our Schedule
Unit 0: Orientation and Meet & Greet
Unit 1: Power-Building
Unit 2: Relational Organizing
Unit 3: Strategic and Effective Messaging
Unit 4: Building Powerful Teams
Unit 5: Building Healthy and Effective Coalitions
Unit 6: Building Powerful Events
Unit 7: Winning over Authoritarianism
Unit 8: Closing