This year’s 15th annual GROW (GrassRoots Organizing Workshops) weekend, a statewide gathering/training for grassroots organizers, will focus on building skills to create social change and practicing self-care.

GROW, sponsored annually by Resources for Organizing and Social Change (ROSC), will take place over the weekend of October 5-7 at Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop. Cost for the three days in a beautiful, waterfront setting with comfortable lodging and delicious healthy meals is $0-$100 per day (based on ability to pay). Childcare is available for those who preregister at www.tinyurl.com/2018GROW.

“This is the perfect time for grassroots organizers and concerned Mainers to hone or learn new skills for building diverse coalitions that work for justice and equity across many sectors of our local communities,” said Sass Linneken, Program Coordinator for ROSC. “Inaction at the national and state level on growing social, economic and environmental problems requires action from the people in our towns and cities. GROW provides a forum for conversations, strategy development and implementation between grassroots organizers that can continue beyond the gathering.”

The weekend is ideal for those newer to community organizing and social change work but will offer plenty of new ideas and networking opportunities for even very experienced organizers. Workshop topics include grassroots organizing for social change, Theater of the Oppressed, how to avoid burnout, leadership development, facilitation skills, building coalitions and working through difficult conversations, grassroots fundraising and crowdfunding opportunities, and creating caring communities.

To learn more, go to the website www.resourcesforsocialchange.orgor email Sass Linneken sass.rosc@gmail.com. You can also find the event and see updates on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/events/243090189746553/