Center for Participatory Change
Information for Groups Interested in Working with CPC
The Center for Participatory Change welcomes involvement and participation from a range of groups and organizations, from the local grassroots effort to the established national foundation. Each relationship is unique, depending upon the needs and the interests of the organization. In some cases we briefly share experiences and information, while in other cases we establish a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. If you are interested in CPC's work, programs, experiences or mission, please feel welcome to contact us and discuss the possibility of building new relationships.
Information for grassroots groups
Information for other organizations
Information for grassroots groupsThe Center for Participatory Change provides organizing, capacity building, networking and funding assistance to grassroots groups in Western North Carolina. All of our work is rooted in building stronger, more democratic communities by making grassroots efforts more effective and sustainable. Our services are free to grassroots groups.
All of CPC's work is founded in the belief that planning, decision-making, organizing, evaluating, and carrying out projects are fully owned by your group--it is your work, and your community. Our job--if you want--is to help you build a sustainable organization that can do that work effectively.
CPC's goal is to be flexible and responsive, and to work with any potential partner as fully as we can. We work with each of our grassroots partners to determine which services and programs might be helpful. Some organizations use all of our programs over an extended period of time. Other organizations will utilize only one program--such as our Capacity Building services--in order to meet specific organizational goals.
The work we do will be largely up to you. However, we do have limited resources (primarily staff time and finances). So we do have to set priorities, based on our previous commitments and on how closely a group fits with CPC's goals and mission. Please contact any member of CPC's staff for more information.
We welcome all groups in the region to join us as part of the Western North Carolina Grassroots Network. The Network allows grassroots leaders to share skills and knowledge, learn from each other's experiences, and work together on shaping the local, regional and state policies that affect our communities.
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Information for other organizationsPartnering in support of grassroots groups
CPC regularly works with other training and technical assistance providers in the Western North Carolina region. One of our frequent tasks is to help a grassroots group develop the capacity to fully take advantage of the services provided by other organizations. We often ask other organizations to provide specialized, issue-specific training for our grassroots partners, and we welcome referrals in return. Our goal is to make sure that each grassroots group with whom we work does not rely on CPC alone, but is situated in a network of support organizations.
Training
Although our mission limits our free services to grassroots groups in the mountain counties of North Carolina, we do offer low cost trainings to other organizations and nonprofits from inside or outside our region. While we can provide training on all the topics in our capacity-building program, our specialty is in helping nonprofits build participation in providing services, decision-making, planning, and evaluation.
Speaking and giving presentations
CPC staff are available for public speaking engagements and presentations at conferences or symposia. In most cases, our budget constraints require the host organization to cover costs. Contact CPC for more information.
Providing support for CPC
Organizations or groups that wish to support CPC's work in Western North Carolina may consider getting involved in our Friends of CPC Campaign, which links people from around the country with grassroots groups through making donations, learning about grassroots efforts, taking action, and building relationships.
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