AFSCME DC 47 AFLCIO Philadelphia National Jobs With Justice
Little Sis Philadelphia Jobs With Justice

Power School

A Free Advanced Organizer Training Program

W.E.B. Du Bois Movement School Federal Unionists Network
UNITE HERE Local 274 Starbucks Workers United Labor Network for Sustainability

The Power School is a free, visionary advanced training program for community and labor organizers & leaders, who are committed to building lasting working-class power. This program equips participants with the tools, skills, and strategic analysis necessary to build power and resist rising authoritarianism.

The Power School creates a rare opportunity to bridge divides between labor and community organizing while deepening the capacity of organizers to take on bigger and bolder fights. It is designed for labor unions and community base-building organizations that are committed to developing skilled organizers—and to building and winning power for everyday Philadelphians by prioritizing people and planet over profit.

This program is offered free of charge to participants. Participants are asked to contribute $50 per day to help cover meals, space rental, and essential materials. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Apply Here!
Power School organizing training Community organizing and training

Dates: Monday–Friday, March 2nd-6th 2026

Times: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM

Location: Philadelphia

Format:

Training Partners: National JWJ, LittleSis, AFL-CIO, The Organizing Center, W.E.B. Du Bois Movement School, UNITE HERE Local 274, Starbucks Workers United, Labor Network for Sustainability, Reclaim Philadelphia, and others

Date Sessions
Monday Mar 2
  • Labor & Community Solidarity: where it works and where it falls short
  • Philadelphia/PA Power Analysis
  • Navigating Conflict and Tending to Self
Tuesday Mar 3
  • Political Education: Understanding the Roots of the Crisis
  • Organizing Against Authoritarianism: lessons for the fight ahead
  • Workers, Communities, Climate, and Social Justice Movements
Wednesday Mar 4
  • Troubleshooting Advanced Organizing Challenges
  • Finding Leaders Who Can Meet the Moment
  • Navigating Movement Heartbreak & Strengthening Your Organizing Practice
  • Designing & Testing Structures: building membership and leadership inside and outside the workplace
  • Direct Action Training
Thursday Mar 5
  • Campaigning for Power: understanding leverage and pillars of support
  • Strategic Research for Effective Campaigns, focused on:
    • Corporations
    • Nonprofits
    • Politicians
  • Campaign Design
  • Hands-on Research Lab
Friday Mar 6
  • Introduction to Salting: key components and how to use it as an organizing tactic
  • Case Studies (Starbucks, Amazon, UNITE HERE)
Saturday Mar 7
  • Closing Celebration: Dance with Comrades @ Dahlak in West Philly at 9pm
    • Organized and set by DJ Jamz
    • Set by multiinstrument musician and DJ Sunryze
    • Performance by Palestinian Burlesque Leila Delicious
What We Expect from You
  • A high level of rigor: Be present and engaged. Please reserve calls and texts for breaks or after sessions.
  • A full commitment: Arrange your schedule to attend all sessions in their entirety.
  • An open mind: Be ready to learn from a range of perspectives, including fellow participants.
  • Principled feedback: Offer feedback aimed at strengthening the program and one another. Be willing to receive grounded, thoughtful feedback in return.
  • Naming your needs: We may miss things; we ask participants to proactively communicate needs so we can address them together.
What You Can Expect from Us
  • High-quality training: Sessions led by seasoned organizers, practitioners, and campaigners, designed to meet a variety of learning styles.
  • Commitment to equity: A structured environment that acknowledges and navigates power dynamics across race, age, gender, and experience.
  • Responsiveness: Openness to feedback and a willingness to make adjustments to support participant success.
  • Care for participants: Dedicated time for breaks and relationship-building. Breakfast (with coffee and tea) and lunch are provided daily.
What training partners are involved?

National JWJ, Little Sis, AFLCIO, The Organizing Center, W.E DU Bois Movement School, Unite Here 274, Starbucks Workers United, Philadelphia Jobs With Justice, Labor Network for Sustainability, and others

Can participants choose one or more sessions of the program to attend?

We encourage participants to attend all 5 days of training. However, participants are welcome to only attend the days that work for their schedule.

What does it cost to attend the Power School?

The program itself is offered at no cost. Participants are asked to contribute $50 per day to help cover meals, space rental, and essential materials. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Feel free to reach out to Muzammal@phillyjwj.org if you have any questions or thoughts!

Apply Here!