How we build now will determine our future power.
Movement organizations are increasingly being led by poor and working class people, women, queer and trans, and people of color, but the non-profit sector is still operating under traditional organizational models that are inadequate. Times are changing. There is no one size fits all, so our approaches must be based on the time, place, and conditions of the people and communities we support.
CEPEF accompanies movement ecosystems of people of color-led grassroots and community-based electoral organizations.
We experiment with adaptive models of leadership development and organizational strategy that strengthen our movements toward greater resilience and governing power.
Our approach to movement ecosystem building
Strategy
Shared orientation towards vision and strategy
Trust
We build a baseline of trust through love and rigor across the organization.
Wisdom
Harnessing the wisdom across all generations where youth, adults, and elders learn and grow from each other
Praxis
Creating space to grow and learn individually and collectively; space to build relationships, experiment, win, and build grassroots working class power.
Our accompaniment opens up space and resources for people and organizations to realize their potential, feel challenged, take risks, and lead with courage.
Core Elements of Our Work
Movement
Infrastructure
We support power-building organizations to develop and grow multi-entity hubs with consolidated back office services that leverage the structures and resources we need to meet the political moment.
Leadership
Pathways
We develop and sustain BIPOC movement organizers and operations staff, connecting them to a larger ecosystem through fellowships, mentorship, intergenerational programs & political education trainings.
Strategic
Partnerships
We accompany organizational leaders to design and manage change through the uncertainty of shifting political conditions, transitions, and the impacts of working under systems of oppression.
Field
Building
We engage in movement workforce research, funder education, and learning spaces to support our base-building partners to resource themselves, build power, and win.