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Building for Power Chapter Training (2024)

DSA’s Green New Deal campaign hosted a chapter-wide, 3-session training series in coordination with the Growth & Development Committee on how to create, assess, and build a Green New Deal-style campaign. The series was attended by over 50 comrades across 40+ chapters.

This is an updated version of our 2022 chapter training, now featuring case studies from LA, NYC, and Cleveland.

Session 1: Components of a strategic pressure campaign

Facilitators: Wren P (At Large), Marc K (LA), Daniel G (NYC)

  • Theory of Change
    • Socialism is the solution 
    • Building for Power
  • Breaking Down a Campaign
    • Case study: NY’s Build Public Renewables
  • Identifying a Winnable Demand
    • Case study: LA’s Green New Deal for Public Schools

Session 2: Identifying Targets, Opponents, and Supporters

Facilitators: Nicole M (NYC), Akshai S (Clevland), Rashad X (NPC, Lakefront)

  • Identifying the Target
    • Types of targets
    • Where does their power come from?
  • Developing a Power Map
    • Case study: Cleveland Public Square
  • Using the Powermap for Organizing
    • Organizing the base into DSA, and allies into a coalition
    • Intentional recruitment
The first few minutes of session 2 were not recorded, apologies for the oversight.

Session 3: Building a Team and Executing Strategy

Facilitators: Claire M (Metro DC), Lori (LA), Jeff (Austin)

  • What It Will Take to Win a GND
    • Using the demand to build the base
    • Building a coalition to win
  • Strategy vs. Tactics
    • The Anytown Transit Expansion Campaign
  • Building a Campaign Team
    • Assemble a team
    • Making adjustments