Senior/Lead-In Training Cohort Program

PURPOSE

Through the Senior/Lead-In Training cohort, organizers will be prepared to advance to the role of an external senior/lead organizer. Cohort participants will be part of a supportive training series that builds from their experience and skills as successful organizers and equips them for handling more advanced organizing responsibilities and the beginning competencies for effectively leading a team of staff and campaign planning and execution.

outcomes

➡️ Gain a base of knowledge of the role and responsibilities of an external senior/lead organizer.

➡️ Gain a base understanding of the fundamental elements of leading effective teams.

➡️ Gain a base understanding of the components of effective campaign planning.

➡️ Develop a community of peers to collaborate with and learn from.

criteria

Cohort participants must have at least two years of organizing experience AND identified as someone who is on track to become an external senior/lead organizer.
This program is NOT intended for staff who are already leads/senior organizers. It is intended for organizers who are on track to become a lead/senior in the coming year.
Ideal candidates should already be proficient at the core organizer competencies - including, but not limited to conducting worker 1:1s, worker leadership development, turf management, developing and facilitating Organizing Committees. Participants should have growth and development opportunities that pertain to the training program’s purpose and learning objectives.
Senior organizer-in-training IU staff will be highly encouraged to attend the program.
Space is limited: Only 1 per local should apply to allow for as many locals as possible to participate.

components

Cohort: 14-16 participants with commitments to attend the full program.
Training Series: Over the course of a 9-month period cohort members will attend three in-person sessions and two virtual “guest speaker’ training sessions.
Virtual Coffee-Hour Sessions: Post-training virtual meetings will follow each in-person session to facilitate the sharing of post- training learning and community building.
Check-Ins: Development 1:1 conversation with participants midway through the series and conversations with participant supervisors regarding participants growth and development needs.

in-person training timeline

📍 Session #1: Leadership
January 27-29, 2026｜In-Person

A two-day initial gathering of the cohort to orient them into the goals of the program and begin reviewing the concepts associated with becoming a lead organizer. An opportunity to build community amongst the cohort and offer inspiration on the challenges associated with becoming a lead. Training sessions on leadership skills and qualities necessary to lead an organizing team.

📍Session #2: Managing the Work

June 2-4, 2026｜In-Person

An introduction to the core tools and practices of managing the work of leading a team of organizers. An in depth review of the fundamentals of leading a team - how they can be utilized and practiced in the context of an organizing team; an overview of importance of utilizing purposeful team systems, best practice for utilizing them effectively, and a focus on how to prepare and conduct effective debrief sessions; and a workshop on incorporating wellness and time management as a intentional actions into the work of the lead/senior organizer.

📍 Session #3: Campaign Planning

October 6-8, 2026｜In-Person

The final session will focus on the basic concepts of campaign planning and the shift required of new lead organizers from focusing on the priorities and planning of one’s turf to focusing on the priorities and planning of the whole field - across a team of organizers. Gaining understanding on how to look across the campaign as whole to develop strategy and move tactics to achieve the campaign’s goals.

**All dates are tentative and subject to change.**

VIRTUAL FOLLOW-UP 🖥️
“Coffee hour” sessions will be scheduled approximately a month following each training.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Program Announcement: Stay tuned for the announcement of the next cohort.
Acceptance to the program is contingent upon completion of an application, meeting the program’s criteria, commitment to attending all three in-person training sessions, and available space.
Applications are reviewed, and decisions will be sent out within 4-6 weeks. A schedule of follow-up 1:1 meetings with chosen participants to start preparation for the cohort.
Participant Orientation via Zoom - attendance is required.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

For more information email todd.stoner@seiu.org.

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