This year SRF included, for the first time, an Organizing Institute, an interactive and hands-on training for activists — whether brand new to organizing or looking to refresh their knowledge — to build the skills they need to advocate for church-state separation. I was so proud to be able to develop this program to meet the needs of activists from different communities and political contexts all across the country. How thrilling it was to host almost 80 participants who showed up and dug into deep conversations about activism at this inaugural event!
The Organizing Institute included workshops on how to effectively communicate to different audiences about church-state separation and the issues that depend on it; the basics of community outreach, including building coalition across issues and across communities of faith and nonbelievers; self and community care; and how to make a plan.
We were joined by everyone from high school students to activists who have been fighting for decades, and from professional advocates to individuals concerned for their communities. Participants came from over 30 states and D.C., and it was so rewarding to see folks form relationships with other activists from their state or region.
At the end of the day, Organizing Institute attendees shared their newly formed plans: deepening local interfaith partnerships, incorporating joy into activism for the LGBTQ+ community, developing a volunteer-led leaderful network advocating for church-state separation and much more!
I can’t wait to stay connected with attendees and hear about their powerful activism for the separation of church and state.