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“capacesleadership.org”: Brand New Website

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These periodic updates have focused on the tangible progress we’re making to bring the CAPACES Leadership Institute fully to life.  For example, every day the building has some new put in place.  This past week, it was the roof’s “TPO” waterproof membrane, installed thanks to donated labor and considerable donated material provided by McDonald and Wetle in East Portland.  And on Thrusday, the Institute wrapped up its first course, “CAPACES 101”, a five-sessions for new leaders and leaders new to our movement.  The second offering of CAPACES 101 begins today with a new small group.

As hundreds of supporters can attest, seeing the Institute’s building-in-progress or meeting CAPACES organizations leaders in person best transmits the essence of the Institute.  Most supporters, of course, simply cannot come and visit, much less come by often.  Therefore, as promised, we’ve created a vehicle to bring the Institute’s evolution to you.

At www.capacesleadership.org you can now find images, stories, information, background and more about the CAPACES Leadership Institute:

  • See photos of the latest construction progress;
  • Find this e-update—and past ones that form the “first draft” of this journey’s narrative;
  • Read brief and engaging accounts from behind the scenes, like the profile of the Institute’s chief construction consultant, Gene Wixson, of Green Hammer;
  • Sign up for construction brigades;
  • Use the “Donate” link to make a tax-deductible contribution securely online;

To get started, we assembled mostly the basics.  In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll be inserting more back story and expanding content on the Institute’s programs.  We expect that the site will eventually become a platform for the Institute’s program that’s as virtually vibrant as the in-person activities already are.  OK, almost as vibrant.

We gratefully acknowledge the team who brought www.capacesleadership.org to life:  Barry Amundson, Abel Valladares, Kathleen Pequeño, and Phil Pearson.

We hope you’ll use capacesleadership.org to stay current, connected, and to help us draw in others.

CAPACES Leadership Institute’s Grand Opening in 2012!

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It’s a full nine months away—but we’ve set the date for the CAPACES Leadership Institute’s Grand Opening celebration!

On Friday, July 13th and Saturday, July 14th, 2012, hundreds of community members and Institute supporters will gather to officially open and inaugurate the Institute’s permanent home at 356 Young Street in Woodburn.

Today, PCUN President Ramón Ramírez is sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solís formally inviting her to be the keynote speaker for the Grand Opening.  Secretary Solís promised Ramón that she would attend and now we’ll work with her staff on scheduling.

We chose July 13th in part because it will be the first anniversary of the Institute’s incorporation as an independent non-profit organization.  We expect such a wide and rich array of participants for this historic occasion that, we decided, one day just won’t suffice.  In addition to the “celebration”, we plan to organize activities that engage and illustrate topics central to the Institute’s mission.

As we’ve mentioned in recent e-updates, the Institute’s first course sessions are already underway—next door at PCUN’s Risberg Hall.  We expect that, by July 2012, a full complement of courses will have been completed and new ones will be in development.

The mid-July weather in Oregon’s Willamette Valley is (usually) very conducive to an outdoor celebration and the activities we envision.  Earlier in the year, not so much.  That’s another compelling reason to hold the Grand Opening next summer.

So “save the date” and rest assured that we’ll be sending out ample details as the occasion draws nearer.

A Volunteer Brigade Like No Other

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All kinds of folks have already volunteered to help construct the CAPACES Leadership Institute’s permanent home.  We’ve hosted dozens of groups.

Last Saturday’s group, however, was a first:  it was organized by and composed of women who are leaders in our movement.  Thirteen women-plus a few friends and supporters-turned out to make their contribution as well as learn and practice new skills.

Co-led by Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas (a CAPACES-network organization) and Institute Executive Director Laura Isiordia, this volunteer brigade did more than nail wall sheeting, dig a post-footing  trench, prepare truss blocking, and de-nail boards for re-use.  “We sent a message today,” Laura declared, “that women who have little experience in construction can do this work and we must do it.  We’re already building the Institute in every other way.”

Some local women have taken an active role in the Institute building construction before.  On September 24th, movement leaders increased that participation and made it more visible.  They also decided to set another brigade for Wednesday October 26th and they welcome the participation of more women-from the community and beyond.

To sign up for the October 26th women’s brigade, contact Laura at lauraisiordia@fhdc.org   Other work brigades continue every Saturday.  Contact Javier Lara at javierl@pcun.org to sign up.

The Institute has more “firsts” to report.  On September 22nd, eight emerging leaders in our movement came together for the first session of:  “CAPACES 101.”  It begins the Institute’s first course, five two-hour sessions exploring our history, accomplishments, values, big ideas, and big challenges.  We plan to offer CAPACES 101 again in late October and several times during 2012.

In the next few days, we’re poised to put up the Institute’s own website.  Watch for our special alert and be among the first to visit it!