On behalf of Common Counsel Foundation, we share exciting news about the Grassroots Exchange Fund (GXF). Common Counsel Foundation recently received a grant to assist base building organizations working to adopt technology to enhance their organizing efforts. GXF assistance will help to offset costs related to trainings, workshops or strategy sessions where staff and members will learn and understand how to best use technology as an organizing tool. Below you will find a description of this new GXF area and possible opportunities for your organization from the Progressive Technology Project.  Remember to check out the GXF funding criteria to ensure that your organization continues to be eligible for funding.
 

Grantmaking Criteria and Priorities – Technology Capacity-Building

The Fund typically makes grants to grassroots community-based organizations working on social, economic, and environmental justice initiatives that give voice to the needs of low-income people, women, youth, and people of color.  Organizations are only eligible for one GXF grant annually.
 
Under the Technology Capacity-Building Grants we will accept applications from groups that are in the process of adopting technology as a way to increase their capacity to organize community members; deepen their leadership development efforts; increase their grassroots fundraising capacity; and improve internal systems.
 
Examples of activities, conferences or trainings that we will support under the Technology Capacity-Building grants:
 
·      Send members to a training on how to use a new database system;
·      Support staff in learning how to best integrate social media into campaign plans;
·      Learn how to use text for outreach and education;
·      Upgrade a database to integrate member activity with donor development; and
·      Find out best practices in using video to tell your organization’s “story”.

The Progressive Technology Project will be offering basic skills workshops in December, 2012 at their retreat center in Minnesota. Your organization is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and to use a GXF grant to help your staff and/or members attend the training(s).

Party conventions always attract more than just delegates. Although this year’s Democratic National Convention (DNC) will have its share of fans, onlookers, and protestors, one particular group will hold a historic presence when they arrive next month. That’s because the workers, students, mothers and fathers who are participating in a new kind of Freedom Ride are all undocumented immigrants.

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This call to action lifts up many of the "21st century communicators" shifting the conversation on grassroots social movements.

RoadMap's Strategic Communications Coordinator Jen Soriano details the history of communications in the grassroots sector and highlights some of the amazing organizations offering communication training and support for social justice organizations.

Read the article on Organizing Upgrade.

The Reproductive Health Technologies Project's mission is to advance the ability of every woman of any age to achieve full reproductive freedom with access to the safest, most effective, appropriate and acceptable technologies for ensuring her own health and controlling her fertility.

RHTP builds coalitions that bridge science, policy, and diverse consumer interests. Their cutting edge opinion research advances public awareness and influences attitudes. RHTP's unique approach helps translate science for practical clinical implications and breakthrough policy actions that improve care.

It is an exciting time at RHTP, this dynamic organization is poised for growth and continued success. Presently, RHTP has close to a $1 million budget, a talented and enthusiastic five member staff based in Washington, D.C., and several project consultants.

Click here to view the full job announcement and learn about the application process.