The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL) uses the community organizing model in order to build better
communities.
Community organizing has a rich history in American social movements and is about people working together for systemic social
change. It is about developing collective self interests by working with others and taking action on issues the community
cares about through true democracy, where the power is with the people.
Community organizing is not about the short-term mobilization of bodies, protests or rallies. It is about achieving long-term
change through building powerful, public relationships; influencing and negotiating with government, corporations and institutions;
achieving direct representation; and holding decision makers accountable to the people through public actions.
The CCESL staff have written a Community Organizing Handbook that we use in trainings, civic engagement programs and courses. This handbook can be used as a tool to develop public skills
and as a guide to organizing people for change. We provide this online tool as a public resource, if you have questions or
would like to print or distribute this handbook please contact us at, 303.871.3706 or ccesl@du.edu.
Manuel Del Real
DU Student, Class of 2009 and 2011
Every time I look at the murals, it gives me great pride as an alumnus to be able to see students make a change...Being a coach has also helped me realize I am the mentor that I used to look up to.
Hava Gordon
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology
Last year, I taught a Service Learning FSEM: "Youth Cultures: Inequality, Resistance, and Empowerment." This was the first time teaching my FSEM as a service learning class, and it was an amazing experience. With the help of my wonderful Service Learning Associate, Cameron Lewis, our class partnered with "The Spot" youth center and Rainbow Alley. Both organizations work to empower teens by providing a safe and creative space for low-income, homeless, and LGBTQ youth. FSEM students joined outreach workers at The Spot on night walks around the city, distributing needed items to homeless youth. Students also participated in consciousness-raising workshops at Rainbow Alley, connecting with Rainbow Alley youth through these workshops."
Emelyne Neff
Coach at Bruce Randolph School
PA is a chance to live outside the DU bubble and to build strong, powerful relationships with young people thirsting for truth, justice and freedom...I can't get enough of if it. The changes on an individual and group level are tangible and beautiful. I feel like I'm making a difference and am the recipient of change as much as an agent of change.
