Organizers and Allies

Want to stay updated on Organizers and Allies? Email Melinda Gigante (mgigante@clevelandnp.org) to be placed on our emailing list.

What is O & A?
O&A is a working group of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, working to further the practice of organizing as the foundation of community development. The group grew out of a brown-bag lunch series hosted by Cleveland Neighborhood Development Corp. for more than 15 years.

Building Relationships
O&A meets on the first Thursday of most months at 10:00 a.m. for networking and professional development. Some months feature a presentation by a subject-matter expert followed by deep dive question and answer. Others, feature in-depth discussion of professional development, advocacy, or related matters. Meetings are hosted by Neighborhood Progress and virtually.

Professional Development
O&A coordinates, maps and advocates for affordable trainings for resident leaders, seasoned organizers, and those new to the field. A mailing list provides updates to existing trainings and networking opportunities. To be added to this list, email Melinda Gigante at MGigante@clevelandnp.org.

Policy & Advocacy
Public policy—laws and the programs they fund—have a powerful impact on every aspect of neighborhood life and the residents we serve. O&A works with Neighborhood Progress to help organizers engage with policymakers and connect residents to decision-making at the city, county, state and national levels.