Crossroads 11th Annual Advanced Organizer Gathering
25 Years Later: Anchored in History, Facing New Challenges, Building Movements
is now part of our history, and we’d like to share reflections from some participants:
“Profound presentations — Crossroads has come a long way!” . . .
“”Best plenaries of the last 3 Advanced Organizer Trainings!” . . . “Can’t wait until next year!”
- Eleven Antiracism Teams were represented.
- Because of creating a track for institutions that do not yet have an antiracism team, five additional institutions were able to send participants.
- All three of our Regional Organizing Partners — ERAC/Ce, IDR and MCARI — participated and assisted in leading workshops.
- More technology was used to enhance the facilitation of the event than ever before, including posting on Facebook and sending live updates via Twitter.
- This was the first Advanced Organizer Training not held at a bona fide retreat center, having found ourselves instead at beautiful and historic Trinity Episcopal Church in Boston thanks to great organizing and volunteering by Trinity’s Antiracism Team.
- Because we weren’t at a retreat center, this was also the first time we have depended on outside catering, and used the fabulous Haley House – you’re missing out if you don’t visit their website and learn more about their amazing mission focused on “food with a purpose and the power of community” – not to mention the delicious, organic food made from scratch!
Plans are already underway for the 2012 national event! We’ll send out a “save the date” notice as soon as it’s set. What we can already tell you is that we’ll be returning to the Midwest for the first time in four years — so look out, Chicago, Crossroads is planning a homecoming!
While we’re waiting for 2011 photos to go up, take a minute to browse pics from 2010 Advanced Organizer Training held in Kansas City, MO:

More comments:
ABOUT THE PLENARIES . . .
“I was blown away by the keynotes this year!”
“The plenary subjects were consistent with the Analysis and spoke to trends in the larger social justice arena.”
ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS . . .
“Really good tools and concepts presented.”
“The workshop on intersectionality [of oppressions] was insightful, provocative and well facilitated.”
ABOUT THE TEAM TRACK . . .
“We are ‘advanced’ and it was perfect for us — it structured and focused our planning conversation, and it supported our work so far.”
“Our track allowed our team to evaluate our work and note our gaps. Hearing the stories and struggles of other teams reminded me that we are not alone!”







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