What We Do 

• Train people to be community organizers

• Strengthen community-based organizations

• Provide analysis and develop tools to advance progressive issues

• Bring people, organizations, and communities together to build the progressive movement 

Our Vision is of a just and equitable society governed by a strong, grassroots democracy.

Our Mission is to build a progressive movement for social, economic, racial and environmental justice in the eight western states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Our Programs

Strong leaders are made, not born. To that end, leadership development is a primary focus in all Center programs. Strong leaders sustain solid organizations and thriving communities, creating a vibrant progressive movement. Our Leadership Development and Community Organizing Program includes CSTI and WILD (Western Institute for Leadership Development) a year-long project where we provide participants with critical leadership skills and an opportunity to create lasting relationships with fellow participants across constituencies, issues and geography.

Our Building Political Power Program believes that by organizing members as voters and training them about governing and community structures, underserved and marginalized communities move from being legislated about to shaping the policies that affect their lives. The centerpiece of this program is the VOTE Project (Voter Organizing Training and Empowerment), which provides training, financial support and technical assistance to build the capacity of community-based organizations. 

Our Gender Justice Program addresses the intersections of reproductive justice, family security and LGBTQ equality in the context of racial and economic justice. Through our Strong Families NW project we support organizations engaging in reproductive justice campaigns. Uniting Communities is a project which helps organizations of color engage LGBTQ members in their communities.

The Research and Action for Change and Equity (RACE) Program supports organizations that build power in communities of color and address vital racial justice issues. We provide strategic assistance for racial justice organizing campaigns; strengthen groups working in immigrant and refugee communities; and develop and promote tools that foster racial equity in the region.