Welcome to the Midwest Academy Website. Since 1973 the Midwest Academy has been training progressive organizers and activists. From local neighborhood organizations to large, national multi-issue membership organizations and coalitions the Midwest Academy provides training that helps people win real improvements in the their lives and the lives of others in their communities, gives people a sense of their own power and helps change the relations of power.

With an emphasis on designing strategic issue campaigns and building powerful organizations in the process, the Midwest Academy teaches the basic nuts and bolts principles of organizing within a progressive framework. In addition we examine the principles of past movements and look for current trends that provide openings for progressives today.

To apply for our five-day "Organizing for Social Change" trainings please download the application from our website.

Our summer Intern Program provides an intense, exciting experience for young (18 - 25) organizers just entering the field. Applications are available online. Judy Hertz the director of this program will be interviewing applicants beginning in mid February

Steve Max our training director regularly updates The Economic Context of our Organizing with power point presentations that you can use with your organizations. There is also a presentation on Social Security and other economic updates will appear as they become timely. A new feature this year is our ASK STEVE column. Steve will answer your organizing questions on a monthly basis in his unique style that should inform as well as entertain you.

On this website we have included some materials from our training manual, Organizing for Social Change. The manual is available at bookstores, many local libraries, and from Amazon.com. If you wish to order bulk copies you can do so from our publisher Seven Locks Press. Just click on the manual cover on our home page.

We are pleased to offer a job listing page. Please send us notices of job openings for organizers and we will be happy to post them. Send us your name and contact information and we will include you on our E-Newsletter list. Please indicate if you are a Midwest Academy alumna/us.

As always we welcome suggestions to improve current trainings and add new ones.

In Solidarity,

Jackie Kendall
Executive Director, Midwest Academy