C.L. Dellums African American Leadership School
The UC Berkeley Labor Center is seeking applicants for the 2023 C.L. Dellums African American Leadership School! Established in 2006, this six-week program brings together and trains young emerging leaders to strengthen the connection between the Black community and the labor movement and to promote the interests of Black workers within their unions and their communities.
Why now? The economic and health impacts of COVID-19 have been catastrophic on Black workers and their families. Black workers are vastly overrepresented as frontline workers, and have been forced to choose between their lives and their livelihoods. They are at a greater risk for contracting COVID-19 than the population at large. They have also suffered higher than average rates of job loss during this time. The pandemic has exposed as well as exacerbated deep economic and racial inequalities that have long existed. As we reimagine and rebuild the economy following the pandemic, Black workers, their families, and their communities must be front and center.
Why Dellums? The Dellums School offers the opportunity for you to help build a just and equitable economy. You will develop relationships, deepen your organizing skills, and critically connect the dots among the many issues that Black workers face. The school will explore and assess how unions and other organizations are working to address the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black workers. We will also analyze ever rising income inequality and the resulting displacement of workers from cities into nearby suburbs. You will learn about efforts to address the causes and reverse course, and how to support and engage them.
Topics include: Organizing 101; the Political Economy of the East Bay; Civic Engagement; Conducting a Power Analysis; and Mass Incarceration and Criminal Justice Reform.
Learning outcomes:
- Strengthen organizing skills to engage activists and mobilize
- Understand the importance of civic engagement in our communities
- Practice proven techniques to improve leadership skills
- Learn how to map your community and workplace to effectively target and mobilize
- Understand why we need to educate ourselves and our community to fight for social change and build power, one conversation at a time
Intended audience: The Dellums School this year is designed to convene young emerging leaders who are active in their unions and/or local community organizations. While we look to center the voices of young leaders, we welcome applicants of all ages who are interested in the mission of our program.
Selection notification: Applicants will be notified if selected to join the school on or before January 4, 2023.
Cost:
Unions – $1,000 for a team of up to five participants
CBOs – $500 for a team of up to five participants
Location: Zoom sessions
If you have any questions please contact Philip Allen at philip.allen.evo@gmail.com or Clementina Jara at zenaida@berkeley.edu.
The C.L. Dellums African American Leadership School welcomes participation from people of all races, ethnicities, national origins, and gender identities.
