Leadership and Community Organizing

My primary interest in this course development program stems from its explicit focus on an experiential learning approach to social action, which directly aligns with and seeks to deepen the pedagogical framework I employ in SOIS-217: Leadership & Community Organizing. My course is fundamentally predicated on the notion that effective civic engagement and the fulfillment of democratic ideals necessitate an organized citizenry capable of articulating and asserting shared interests. The Institute's model, wherein students design and launch social action campaigns within a semester, offers a robust, practical extension of these principles, moving beyond theoretical understanding to tangible application.

I am particularly keen to enhance my capacity to guide students through the intricate phases of real-world organizing. The program's proposed modules on "Issue Development & Choosing Campaigns," "Change Theory & Building Power," and "Strategy & Tactics" will undoubtedly refine my ability to facilitate students' understanding of the strategic sequence inherent in effective organizing campaigns. Furthermore, the "flipped classroom" methodology, supported by dedicated instructional texts, indicates a commitment to a rigorous and practical learning experience that I find highly appealing and conducive to professional development.

Ultimately, my participation is motivated by a desire to contribute to and learn from a "community of practice" dedicated to "mainstreaming this model for teaching active democracy". Cultivating a new generation of skilled organizers and engaged citizens is paramount for addressing contemporary societal challenges. This program represents a critical opportunity to advance effective pedagogical strategies for social change, reinforcing RIT’s commitment to preparing students for impactful leadership.

The course, SOIS-217: Leadership and Community Organizing, is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to engage in effective social action and community organizing. By exploring leadership through the lens of organized citizenry, students learn to identify, recruit, and develop leadership, build community, and mobilize collective power to achieve shared goals. The course emphasizes actionable objectives, strategic planning, and the production of artifacts to support campaigns. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical application, students culminate their learning with a capstone portfolio that documents their organizing efforts.Taught By:

Kathryn Cilano

Director, Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement

Rochester Institute of Technology