OUR METHOD
When we work with a new group, we start by establishing a Community of Practice, a group of people who are all engaged in similar work or share a similar role. This is where participants experience the transformative power of deep connection.
For each Community of Practice we deliver programming through three distinct but interdependent modules:
Deep Connection
(Being Community)
A Community of Practice brings individuals into a connected group, guided by a shared purpose. Through regular in-person meetings, structured discussions, and informal relationship-building, participants build trust, deepen their understanding of one another, and develop a culture of mutual support and accountability. Those strong relationships empower participants to accomplish more together than they could on their own.
Meet regularly in person (typically every 2–4 weeks) to build relationships and maintain momentum.
Share personal values, experiences, and motivations to foster trust and connection.
Create opportunities for both structured collaboration and informal social interaction.
Develop a culture of mutual support and accountability that strengthens the group.
Enable participants to achieve greater impact together through strong relationships and shared purpose.
Practical Tools & Skills
(Building Community)
This module equips participants with the practical organizing skills they need to be effective in their communities. By combining proven organizing strategies with local adaptation, peer learning, and hands-on reflection, participants develop actionable skills that go beyond traditional campaign tactics. The focus is on fostering creative, community-centered organizing and ensuring every participant leaves with a clear plan for putting their learning into practice.
Curate and adapt organizing tools and training to fit local needs.
Build practical organizing skills through interactive learning and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Encourage creative, innovative techniques for community-focused organizing.
Reflect on real-world experiences to continuously improve organizing strategies.
Ensure participants leave each session with a concrete action plan they can immediately implement.
Ongoing Connection
(Sustaining Community)
The energy and focus created during a Community of Practice meeting can fade as participants return to daily demands. Our Ongoing Connection Module keeps participants connected to one another, their commitments, and the larger purpose of the work between meetings.
Each gathering concludes with members identifying actions to complete before the cohort reconvenes. Show Up Better then helps keep those commitments visible and participants in contact with each other through methods such as:
Weekly newsletters
Inspirational text messages
Individual check-ins
Peer mentoring and targeted support
Talks delivered by experienced leaders
Social, political, and service-oriented gatherings
Together, these practices help members maintain momentum, follow through on commitments, and remain engaged with their community and its shared goals.