On October 8th, 2024, the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) officially began its second cohort of the Community Learning Partnership (CLP) program, an innovative national model designed to develop a workforce of credentialed and skilled leaders capable of organizing for change in their local communities. As the first program of its kind in Chicago, SWOP, along with four other community-based organizations, is leading the charge to offer this transformative initiative in the city. The CLP program is structured into two 8-week sessions, with the first focused on Community Organizing and the second on Community Development, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to create meaningful, sustainable change in their neighborhoods.

The Community Organizing session is led by SWOP’s own Community Organizer, Joel Rodriguez. With his experience and expertise, Joel guides participants through essential organizing skills such as conducting one-on-one relational meetings, performing a power analysis, building effective campaigns and much more. These foundational elements are crucial for anyone seeking to lead successful grassroots efforts and influence policy or social change. By offering real-world applications and examples, the program ensures that participants not only learn theory but also how to put these skills into practice in their communities.

The second session will be led by James Rudyk and shift the focus toward Community Development, allowing participants to build on their organizing knowledge and learn how to impact long-term growth and infrastructure within their neighborhoods. Through this dual approach, the CLP program equips its students with both the tools to mobilize communities and the expertise needed to create lasting development. SWOP’s leadership in launching the CLP program reflects its commitment to empowering residents to be at the forefront of Chicago's transformation, making this program a pivotal step toward building a network of strong, community-driven leaders.