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Exploring Methods and Models of Inclusive Organizing

Over the past ten years, many St. Paul and Minneapolis neighborhoods have seen dramatic changes in their racial/ethnic compositions, as people of color and new immigrants diversify the populations of metro communities.  To date, neighborhood and community-based organizations have been largely unsuccessful in drawing people of color and New Americans into their work.  Groups have also expressed frustration at their inability to attract renters and low-income residents - European Americans as well as people of color - into neighborhood planning and activities.  The goal of full inclusiveness has been identified as a top priority by neighborhood associations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The Center's Exploring Methods and Models of Inclusive Organizing Project is a multi-phased initiative designed to identify and promote organizing models that effectively bridge geographic and cultural communities by building relationships within neighborhoods.  Phase I of the project pulled together representatives of organizations already working with renters, people of color and New Americans to identify ways in which neighborhood organizations could better serve residents in these populations.  Phase II will focus on replicable models for inclusive organizing at the neighborhood level.