resuscitating the heart of organizing.
Join SpadeWork’s school aimed at dismantling systemic racism.
ABOUT US
Spadework is a school for practitioners to reverse the diminution of organizing practice in the United States.
Through intensive in-person trainings and field support for aspiring organizers and their organizations, supported by a cohort of mentors oriented towards an accompaniment strategy, Spadework will help establish a baseline of rigor in organizing practice and a conducive movement culture that can sustain organizing for the long haul.
SPADEWORK PRINCIPLES
Organizing Approach: We believe that our collective liberation is best achieved when organizations of those most affected by systemic oppression frame the solutions, establish the priorities, and provide the leadership of social change efforts and campaigns. An organizing approach helps create the conditions for folks to exercise this type of leadership.
Nurturing a Multiracial Space: Our communities (and even different constituencies within our communities) are affected differently by systemic oppression. It is our role as organizers to understand these differences. It is also our role to forge unity of purpose and strategy to affect systemic changes across communities. Nurturing this collective identity can only take place in multiracial spaces and in proximity to each other.
Racial Justice: Committed to the self-determination and united front of communities who bear the brunt of systemic racism to transform society.
Global Framework: The systems we’re trying to transform were developed over time and at the expense of the lives of peoples across borders -- a result of conquest, subjugation, exploitation, and cultural domination. Our goal to create a liberatory multiracial space necessitates a framework that is inclusive of our common historical experiences that have global dimensions.
Humor and Joy: Our goals are deadly serious, but our journey need not be. We build stronger and more resilient communities if we conduct our work with joy and humor.
SPADEWORK PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Spadework 2023 Program Video
key dates for 2024 ProgramMing
Program Orientation and Base-Building Session
Concurrent in Berkeley, CA and Philadelphia, PA
June 10-14, 2024
July, 2024: One-day In-Service Trainings in Oakland (CA), Columbus (OH), and Philadelphia (PA)
Field visits by Spadework staff to each organization
Mid-Program Evaluation and Campaign Strategy Framed within Systems Change Goals
San Juan Bautista, CA
AUgust 25-30, 2024
September, 2024: One-day In-Service Trainings in Oakland (CA), Columbus (OH), and Philadelphia (PA)
Field visits by Spadework staff to each organization
Each participant is matched with a Mentor for accompaniment
Gathering of Participants and Mentors
Philadelphia, PA
NOvember 11-15, 2024
Discussion on Significance of November 2024 Elections
Preparing for the Long Haul
Organizational Benefits and Commitments
-
Base-Building tools tailored to organizing culture and practices. By the end of program, each organization will develop their own ABC Leadership Assessment criteria, Ladder of Engagement strategies, and Base-Building Plan centered on campaign plans
More clarity on systems change goals by applying Spadework’s Field Analysis framework and tools
Breaking down isolation of organizations and organizers and find affinity and solidarity with a network of practitioners in the organizing ecosystem
-
Ensure participation in all Spadework activities and assignments
Dedicate up to $3,500 per Spadework participant to cover travel, room & board during in-person trainings, and other program costs
Assign staff in leadership position to be main Spadework contact
"Spadework is designed to engage organizers and their organizations along three convergent pathways: promoting rigor and discipline in base-building; sharpening strategies to align programs and campaigns towards desired systems transformation; and nurturing a multiracial movement culture that elevates creativity, joy, and the need for accompaniment."
-Francis Calpotura, Co-Founder, SpadeWork
“I must leave now for one of those small church meetings which are usually more exhausting than the immediate returns...but it's part of the spade work.”
— Ella Baker
We owe our present to our ancestors who fought against those who weren’t driven by love.
SpadeWork places its lineage alongside the rich history of freedom struggles around the world. We are inspired by their examples of courage and deep love of people. As a project of InAdvance, our team has been involved in organizing campaigns and social movements for decades, so our goal is to pass our insights, learnings and multiple perspectives onto the next generation of organizers.
We are an organization powered by our allies and your generosity. Please help us continue with SpadeWork by making a donation.
