About the Alabama Organizing Project

As a collaboration between some of Alabama's most active and progressive groups working for social change, AOP is able to bring the benefits of experience and diversity to support community organizing across the state. The organizational goal of the Alabama Organizing Project is to facilitate the movement of people out of poverty in Alabama by dismantling two major structural obstcles: a regressive tax system and a state constitution that disenfranchises many of Alabama's poorest citizens.

The five member organizations of the Alabama Organizing Project provide the personnel for the Executive Committee and Grassroots Leadership Development (GLD) Advisory Committee. Each member brings a distinct set of experiences, expertise, and constituents to the collaborative.

Activities

In support of its goals, AOP pursues a variety of activities to train and assist organizers across Alabama. These activities are designed to support leadership development to further the progress of human rights and sustainable livelihood in the state of Alabama. Current programs include:

• The Grassroots Leadership Development (GLD) Program - recruiting emerging community leaders across the state and providin them with an extensive 18-month training and praticum program.

• Ongoing professional development for community organizers - providing organizers with the skills and support they need to succeed in mobilizing community involvement around key issues for social change and social justice.

• Professional development for Executive Directors of AOP member organizations - bringing Executive Directors to the table to learn and share "best practices" for the continued growth of their organizations.

Staff

AOP is managed collaboratively by committees formed of member organizations and program alumni. Dr. Kate Shuster is the AOP Coordinator. She can be reached at kate.shuster[at]gmail.com.