Power Analysis

About this workshop

Working people are facing unprecedented challenges to building and exercising their collective power. In order to win meaningful victories, unions, community groups, and social justice organizations can’t leave any power on the table.

Power Analysis is used to strengthen our understanding of how power is exercised, by who, and to what end, in order to develop stronger campaigns and organizations. The process is designed to democratize campaign strategy development and provide political education for leadership, staff, members, and allies. While grounded in participants’ own lived experiences and reflections, the method also uses research to support comprehensive strategy-building.

In this participatory, online workshop, groups will learn how to use the Power Analysis method, how to do comprehensive charting to build member power beyond the workplace or other organizing structure, and how to conduct research to deepen their understanding of a power landscape. Groups will learn how to facilitate Power Analysis sessions and incorporate the method into their ongoing work, and will leave the course with a plan for their next steps.

The course was originally developed by Jane McAlevey in partnership with Anthony Thigpenn, the creator of the Power Analysis method. It is presented in collaboration with California Calls.

Who is this training for?

Any organization that is in a current campaign, preparing to launch a new campaign, or developing long-term strategic plans.

Organizations should send groups of three to six people–rank-and-file leaders and/or staff–who are able to lead on implementing organizing and strategic priorities within their organization.

Topics covered:

• Using the Power Analysis grid
• Whole worker organizing and comprehensive charting
• Research for Power Analysis
• Building power metrics
• Facilitating Power Analysis

Who, What, When, Where: The Essential Details

• Who: A group of three to six people from your organization or coalition. Participants must bring a campaign or long-term strategic plan to focus on during the course. Participants should be able to lead in implementing organizing and strategic priorities in your campaign or organization. Participants are required to attend all three sessions, and to meet with their group weekly in between sessions to complete assignments. One member of your group must serve as a group coordinator before and throughout the workshop.*
• What: The workshop will include three sessions led by experienced trainers, as well as two optional follow-up sessions after the course ends. Sessions include a main plenary with a presentation, and time in breakout groups. A comprehensive Power Analysis manual accompanies the course.
• When: Three Wednesdays on December 2, 9, and 16 from 9:00am-1:00pm Pacific / 12:00-4:00pm Eastern.
• Where: On Zoom! The workshop Zoom link will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
• Course Fee: $1,000 per organization. A limited number of scholarships are available.
• Registration Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026. Once accepted, each group’s coordinator will receive the course manual and logistical information for the program via email.

*Each team will need to designate at least one group coordinator for their organization. The group coordinator is responsible for attending a short orientation ahead of the course, ensuring their group does pre-work ahead of each session, and facilitating breakout conversations. The group coordinator does not need to have previous experience with Power Analysis. Additional information for group coordinators, including the dates for the group coordinator orientation, will be provided upon acceptance into the workshop.

Accessibility

If you or a prospective participant require an accommodation to fully participate in this workshop, please contact Elizabeth Avila at 661-748-7177 or eavilaa@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible and at least 14 days in advance of the start of the workshop.